Pressure Too Much For Sneaker Line, Reebok Drops Rick Ross
Sneaker company Reebok has officially dropped rapper Rick Ross over his lyrics in Rocko’s U.O.E.N.O. In the song he mentions slipping the drug ‘molly’ in a woman’s drink and taking her home. The company said in a statement,
While we do not believe that Rick Ross condones sexual assault, we are very disappointed he has yet to display an understanding of the seriousness of this issue or an appropriate level of remorse.
At this time, it is in everyone’s best interest for Reebok to end its partnership with Mr. Ross.
Since the song was released in January, women’s right’s groups and parental watchdogs have been protesting, boycotting and petitioning the rapper’s song lyrics. Some radio stations have dropped the song from their playlists and today Rocko (whose song he is featured on) released a new version of the song, removing Ross’ vocals completely.
Reebok received immense pressure from women’s rights organization Ultra Violet, who held a protest at the Reebok Store in New York City yesterday.
Houston rapper Slim Thug voiced his dislike via Twitter:
Ross ads appeared in magazines and appeared in commercials for the “Live White Hot” campaign.
The rapper has yet to comment. Stay tuned!
[Reuters,HHW]