Magazine Editor Resigns After Rihanna Racial Backlash
You don't call someone a "n*gga b*tch" with a "ghetto ass" and get away with it, especially if that someone is Rihanna. Eva Hoeke, editor-in-chief of Dutch fashion magazine Jackie, where the racist remarks were printed, learned that the hard way. After finding herself on the receiving end of a major b*tch slap from the pop star, Hoeke announced on Tuesday that she is resigning her position at the publication, effective immediately.
The move came after Hoeke, who claimed the offensive text "slipped through her fingers," took even more heat for issuing an unsatisfactory apology for the gaffe, telling readers via Facebook that the remarks were "just a joke."
"I realize that my first reaction through Twitter, in which I indicated that it was a joke, has been an incomplete description of what me, and also the author of the article, meant. The term 'n---abitch' came from America and we solely used it to describe a style of dress. Because of the enormous pressure through social media I was tempted to promise amendment regarding the language in future issues of Jackie," Hoeke says in the lengthy statement, translated to English by ParlourMagazine.com.
"Apart from that I also offered a rectification. I have now come to the conclusion that rectification is not the right solution. I regret that I have taken a stand too quickly regarding an article in Jackie — which moreover had no racial motive at its basis. Through the course of events, me and the publisher have concluded that because my credibility is now affected, it is better for all parties if I quit my function as editor-in-chief effective immediately," it continues.
"After putting my heart and soul into for Jackie for eight years, I realize that these errors — although not intended maliciously — are enough reason for leaving.... I should have counted to ten before taking un-nuanced stands through social media channels."
The magazine has extended an invitation to Rihanna "to share her feelings and thoughts on the article in the next issue."
From what we can tell, Ri has already made her feelings on the subject, and what she thinks about Ms. Hoeke, perfectly clear.
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(Photos from left: Courtesy Jackie Magazine, Brian Dowling/Fox/PictureGroup)