Reebok is under fire today from 51,000 moms, young athletes, and members of UltraViolet for their spokesperson Rick Ross. In Ross’ new song, “UOENO,” he brags about drugging and raping a woman. Despite a clear reference, Ross denies the song is about rape, because he didn’t use the word “rape” and therefore it couldn’t have occurred, infuriating Reebok’s female customers (watch video below).
See the petition demanding Reebok drop Ross here: https://bit.ly/reebokrickross
“We are appalled that Reebok would pay a spokesperson who brags about enjoying drugging and raping a woman,” said Nita Chaudhary, co-founder of UltraViolet. “Reebok devotes a lot of time, energy and money to marketing to women–and now they are paying a man who is literally bragging about raping us while absurdly insisting it can’t possibly be rape if he doesn’t use the word “rape.” Reebok is apparently OK promoting rape culture, but when 1 out of 5 women are the victim of an attempted or completed rape, that has consequences.”
The petition has caught fire, garnering 51,000 signatures in less than 15 hours after going live. Athletes and moms threatened boycott and expressed dismay that Reebok would employ Ross and market to women at the same time.
“If Rick Ross represents Reebok more than female athletes, perhaps it’s time I disposed of my Reebok products and look for a brand that better reflects what it means to be a woman and an athlete,” said Jen Brown, an UltraViolet member and runner from Kalamazoo, MI. “I’ll be sure to pass this information about Reebok along to all my friends, male and female, who run, bike, and paddle.”
UltraViolet is planning to protest outside Reebok’s Boston area headquarters in the coming week if the company does not respond.
“I guarantee I will not be buying Reebok’s for myself or my three daughters; all of whom play sports,” commented mom and UltraViolet member Marie W. on the petition.
Rick Ross spoke about being misinterpreted in an interview on New Orleans’ radio station Q93.3:
