The CEO of Fanatics issued the statement on X as his brand is set to have a festival in NYC this weekend.
Michael Rubin has apologized for comments he made about the Black community on during an appearance on The Breakfast Club yesterday morning (Aug. 15).
While discussing a wide range of topics — like admitting he banned “Not Like Us” to be played at his annual Independence Day party — the subject of Meek Mill‘s relationship with Diddy and the harassment he received on social media came up. “When I see the narrative of, a really good friend of mine like Meek, and people are trying to… Again, if he was gay — which there’s not one gay bone in his body — who cares?,” he said.
“Number one, If people wanna be gay, it is 2024. Who the f—k cares? Number two, there’s not a gay bone in his body, so why do people wanna lie about that? Why do people want to change the narrative of a bet he made with me to hurt him?,” referring to a clip of the Philadelphia rapper doing “bunny hops” on a tennis court after losing a bet. “That is the one thing I’ve learned about… you know, look, I’m just being blunt because it’s me,” he continued. “It’s the one thing I’ve learned about Black culture that I don’t like is that Black hate on hate.”
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Naturally, that clip went viral on social media and received backlash, most notably from ScHoolboy Q. “Brah… I’m cool on this app this sh—t outta control dog,” the TDE rapper said of a clip he quote tweeted. He then sent out a series of tweets saying “there’s not such thing as black on black anything wtf” and deleted another saying, “You know what I don’t like about you n—s? I hate when you n—s be acting like n—s… basically.”
Earlier today, Rubin took to X and issued an apology. “I got a phone call from one of the people I have the most respect for in the world,” he tweeted. “They told me while they appreciate my intention, it’s not my place to speak on Black culture. I get it and really appreciate the input! My intention was to say how important it is that we need to uplift each other, stop hate on each other, and push each other to win, and always root for each other’s success!” Adding, “My bad , Much love and appreciate the feedback.”
Rubin, who was once a minority owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, grew close with Meek Mill when the rapper was dealing with probation issues back in 2017. They both continue to work together on social justice through the Reform Alliance.
You can watch the full Breakfast Club interview here.