UPDATED: After backlash from the “NiggaBitch” comment, Jackie‘s editor Eva Hoeke has reportedly stepped down from her position. She states:
“Because of the enormous pressure from social media, I can promise improvement in terms of language used in future issues of Jackie. Previously, I offered rectification. As I now come to the conclusion that rectification is not the right solution, I am departing. [...] After eight years, with my heart and soul, I have worked for Jackie. I realize that these errors – although no malicious intent – is a reason to leave.”
By now, we’ve figured out that Rihanna handles her own public relations. In a recent issue of Jackie, a popular Dutch magazine, the author referred to the 23-year-old singer and Black women in general as “NiggaBitch.” The publication’s editor Eva Hoeke claims that the comment was purely a joke and meant no harm. In an apology via Facebook, Hoeke states:
“[...] The author has been addressed on it, and now I can only ensure that these terms will no longer end up in the magazine. Furthermore I hope that you all believe there was absolutely no racist motive behind the choice of words. It was stupid, it was naive to think that this was an acceptable form of slang — you hear it all the time on tv and radio, then your idea of what is normal apparently shifts — but it was especially misguided: there was no malice behind it…”
Rihanna shot back Monday night via Twitter, saying the following to Hoeke:
“@evajackie I hope u can read english, because your magazine is a poor representation of the evolution of human rights! I find you disrespectful, and rather desperate!! You ran out of legit, civilized information to print! There are 1000′s of Dutch girls who would love to be recognized for their contributions to your country, you could have given them an article. Instead, u paid to print one degrading an entire race! That’s your contribution to this world! To encourage segregation, to mislead the future leaders to act in the past! You put two words together,with the intent of abasement, that made no sense…”***** BITCH”?!….
Well with all respect, on behalf of my race, here are my two words for you…FUCK YOU!!!”
Harsh. But direct.
Do you agree with how Rihanna handled the situation?
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