Rapper J.Cole and Drake posted an apology letter for their insensitive and "ignorant" lyrics referring to people with autism.
Rapper J.Cole issued an apology letter to people with autism after making offensive reference in the lyrics of his new song "Jodeci Freestyle", a collaboration with singer Drake.
In the new single, Cole referred to other artists as "autistic, retards," claiming only he was truly artistic.
"I want to educate myself more on Autism, and I'll gladly own my mistake and serve as an example to today's generation that there's nothing cool about mean-spirited comments about someone with Autism," J Cole wrote on his blog, DreamVillain. "People with this disorder and their loved ones have to go through so much already, the last thing they need is to hear something as ignorant as what I said. I understand."
He continued to state that this was a learning experience for both Drake and himself and both are grateful to be given the opportunity to make the wrong right.
Drake also issued an apology in a blogpost on his website.
"J.Cole wrote a beautiful and moving apology to individuals and families affected by autism who were understandably hurt by a verse in "Jodeci Freestyle". I share responsibility and offer my sincerest apologies for the pain this has caused," he wrote. "Individuals with autism have brilliant and creative minds, and their gifts should not be disparaged or discounted. This was a learning lesson for both of us, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to try to right this wrong. J. Cole and I believe that it is the right, responsible, and respectful decision to remove the lyric from the song."
Prior to this, a petition was posted on Change.org calling on both the artists to issue an apology to families and individuals with autism and to change the lyrics. The petition received more than 4,000 signatures and was closed after the apology letters were posted.
