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Reebok drops Rick Ross following heavily criticized pro-rape lyrics in song ‘U.O.E.N.O.’

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FILE - This July 7, 2012 file photo shows rapper Rick Ross performing during the OpenAir music festival in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. Reebok has ended its relationship with Rick Ross following the heavy criticism surrounding the rapper\'s lyrics some have called pro-rape. The sneaker brand said in a statement Thursday, April 11, 2013, that “Reebok holds our partners to a high standard and we expect them to live up to the values of our brand. Unfortunately, Rick Ross has failed to do so.” Rick Ross formally apologized for his lyrics on Rocko\'s song "U.O.E.N.O.” in a tweet last week. It came the same day a women\'s group, UltraViolet, protested outside of one Reebok\'s stores in Manhattan. In Rocko\'s song, Ross raps about giving a woman the drug MDMA, known as Molly, and having his way with her. (AP Photo/Keystone/Ennio Leanza, file)

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Reebok has ended its relationship with Rick Ross following heavy criticism of lyrics by the rapper considered by some to be pro-rape.

The sneaker brand said in a statement Thursday that “Reebok holds our partners to a high standard and we expect them to live up to the values of our brand. Unfortunately, Rick Ross has failed to do so.”

Rick Ross formally apologized for his lyrics on Rocko’s song “U.O.E.N.O.” in a tweet last week. It came the same day a women’s group, UltraViolet, protested outside of one Reebok’s stores in Manhattan.

In Rocko’s song, Ross raps about giving a woman the drug MDMA, known as Molly, and having his way with her.

Reebok added that “we are very disappointed (Ross) has yet to display an understanding of the seriousness of this issue.”

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