The rapper tries to make things right after mistreating a teen with autism, Asperger's Syndrome and severe hearing loss.
- May 6, 2016
AceShowbiz - 50 Cent is more than sorry. The rapper has donated $100,000 to Autism Speaks following the incident where he harassed an autistic teen named Andrew Farrell at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport.
50 faced a backlash when a video which he posted himself showed him mocking a teen working as a janitor. "This new generation is crazy," 50 said in the video. "What's your name? Look at him! What kind of s**t you think he took before he got to work today? He high as a mother**ker right here in the airport. Pupils dilated and everything."
As soon as he realized his mistake, 50 issued an apology. He said, "While the incident at the airport resulted from an unfortunate misunderstanding, I am truly sorry for offending the young man. It was certainly not my intent to insult him or the disability community, which is a source of great strength in America. I have apologized personally to him and his family."
Local bars in Cincinnati reportedly boycotted 50's premium liquor Effen Vodka. The brand itself released a statement over the incident, saying, "As a brand that considers social responsibility the highest of priorities, Effen Vodka does not condone the recent behavior of 50 Cent. We have expressed to him our profound disappointment for his actions, which are in no way representative of the brand's values."
Farrell's family revealed that the teen has autism, Asperger's Syndrome and severe hearing loss. They urged 50 to show his sincerity with a donation to autism advocacy groups. "All we are asking is for 50 Cent to donate to Autism Speaks," Farrell's father Kent told the Daily News. 50 made it right.
"I want to turn this misunderstanding into an understanding," he said in a statement on Thursday, May 5. "There are people that are ignored, mistreated and neglected with disabilities that need our support. Today, I have made a donation of $100,000 to this worthy cause through Autism Speaks." He's also encouraging fellow celebrities to donate to the cause. "I am calling on my fellow musicians, actors, entertainers and all others who may not have fully considered this cause to join together to help in any way they can," he said.
