Larry Busacca/WireImageRapper Rick Ross had already tweeted an apology over the lyrics he contributed to the Rocko tune "U.O.E.N.O." Now, a day after Reebok dropped him as their spokesman, he's made an official apology—and one that's far more contrite.
"Before I am an artist, I am a father, a son, and a brother to some of the most cherished women in the world," reads his statement. "So for me to suggest in any way that harm and violation be brought to a woman is one of my biggest mistakes and regrets."
The offending lyric, in case you missed it: "Put molly all in her champagne, she ain't even know it. I took her home and I enjoyed that. She ain't even know it." (Molly is slang for the drug Ecstasy.)
"As an artist, one of the most liberating things is being able to paint pictures with my words," the statement continues. "But with that comes a great responsibility. And most recently, my choice of words was not only offensive, it does not reflect my true heart. And for this, I apologize. To every woman that has felt the sting of abuse, I apologize.
"I recognize that as an artist I have a voice and with that, the power of influence," it goes on. "To the young men who listen to my music, please know that using a substance to rob a woman of her right to make a choice is not only a crime, it's wrong and I do not encourage it. To my fans, I also apologize if I have disappointed you. I can only hope that this sparks a healthy dialogue and that I can contribute to it." He signed the statement "William Roberts (a.k.a 'Rick Ross')."
We'll see if this apology is apologetic enough for Reebok—or the many, many others who have slammed him over the lyric.
What do you think? Sound off in the comments.