Holly Robinson Peete has criticized rapper J. Cole following his controversial reference to autism in his freestyle “Jodeci” with Drake. The actress, whose eldest son Rodney Jr. is autistic, was furious when she heard the lyrics to the pair’s track “Jodeci Freestyle,” which pokes fun at the condition in a line which reads, “Go check the numbers dummy, that’s just me gettin’ started/ I’m artistic, you n**gas is autistic, retarded.”
She told “Access Hollywood,” “This was first brought to my attention by my son, who is 15, with autism, loves J.Cole, loves Drake. He brought it (up) to me, because he looks at all the lyrics. He said, ‘Mom what does this mean?’ And I was so devastated when I read it, I had to read it like five times and try to find some other context where this could make sense, ’cause everything I know about J. Cole is that he’s a very intelligent man, he went to college, he graduated top of his class. He’s a very smart rapper and I understand the artistic expression and everything, but this right here is so irresponsible.
It hurt my feelings so much.” Choking back tears, she called on J. Cole to apologize for using the derogatory language. She added, “I just don’t (think) these artists know how powerful (they are)… because my son is struggling to fit in, and I mean struggling, so when I see an artist, with this kind of following, who is writing not just autistic, but trying to make it the new r-word, (it) is not going to happen on our watch… I hope he apologizes and I hope he takes it out (of the song).” Days after the Anti-Bullying Alliance created a petition, the rapper has issued an official statement offering his sincerest condolences.
In the letter J.Cole writes, “I do not believe that an apology is needed every time someone is offended, especially when that apology is really only for the sake of saving an endorsement or cleaning up bad press.With that said, this is not the case today. This letter is sincere.This apology IS necessary.” Read the entire letter below.
Autism Speaks:
Recently there’s been a trend that includes rappers saying something offensive, only to be attacked for it in the media and pressured to apologize. I have to be completely honest and say there’s a part of me that resents that. I view rap similar to how I view comedy. It’s going to ruffle feathers at times. It’s going to go “too far”. I do not believe that an apology is needed every time someone is offended, especially when that apology is really only for the sake of saving an endorsement or cleaning up bad press.
With that said, this is not the case today. This letter is sincere. This apology IS necessary. In a recent verse on the song “Jodeci Freestyle”, I said something highly offensive to people with Autism. Last week, when I first saw a comment from someone outraged about the lyric, I realized right away that what I said was wrong. I was instantly embarrassed that I would be ignorant enough say something so hurtful. What makes the crime worse is that I should have known better.
To the entire Autism community who expressed outrage, I’m moved and inspired by your passion, and I’m amazed at how strong you are as a unit. I have now read stories online from parents about their struggles and triumphs with raising an Autistic child and I admire how incredibly strong you have to be to do so. It’s touching. It also makes what I said even more embarrassing for me. I feel real shame. You have every right to be angry. To anyone suffering from Autism, either mildly or severely, I am sorry.
I’m bound to make mistakes in my life, but in my heart I just want to spread Love. 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. 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.
To the parents who are fighting through the frustrations that must come with raising a child with severe autism, finding strength and patience that they never knew they had; to the college student with Asperger’s Syndrome; to all those overcoming Autism. You deserve medals, not disrespect. I hope you accept my sincere apology. Much Love -Cole
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