Reebok has officially ended its partnership with Maybach Music mogul Rick Ross. The sneaker company first felt the heat calling for them to cut off Ross after the release of his latest song U.O.N.E.O depicted the rapper performing date rape on a woman: “Put Molly [Ecstasy] all in the champagne. She ain’t even know it. I took her home and I enjoy that. She ain’t even know it.”
UltraViolet, a community of women and men, fighting to expand women’s rights and combat sexism everywhere – from politics and government to media and pop culture, was at the forefront of the protest against Ross because of the lyrics.
UltraViolet co-founder Nita Chaudhary released a statement through the women’s organization applauding Reebok for the decision.
She said, “We are thrilled to hear that Reebok is joining the fight against rape culture and dropping Rick Ross. This is a huge victory for women, for the 526 survivors of rape who were brave enough to publicly confront rape culture, and for the nearly 100,000 UltraViolet members who have poured their hearts and time into this campaign. This sends a strong message that rapping about drugging and raping an unconscious woman is not only morally wrong, but has real consequences. After Steubenville, Americans expect and demand better. Thank you Reebok for taking a stand.”
Information from Allhiphop.com contributed to this report.
