Cyrus Langhorne
G-Unit boss 50 Cent is finally putting an end to the backlash he created from mocking an autistic airport employee last week by donating $100,000 to organization Autism Speaks.
According to reports, Fif has made the hefty donation and called for other celebrities to join the cause.
Fiddy referred to the video he posted of Andrew Farrell, saying, “I want to turn this misunderstanding into an understanding. There are people that are ignored, mistreated and neglected with disabilities that need our support.” The rapper added, “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.” (TMZ)
This week, the Farrell family issued a statement on 50’s apology and the drama’s aftermath.
“We would first like to thank everyone for the amazing amount of support that they have shown over the past few days. It has been an emotional roller coaster that we are ready to put to rest. As requested we have received a letter apologizing for 50 cent’s behavior and we have chosen to accept it, along with a request that a donation be made to Autism Speaks. Though a letter of apology will not undo what 50 cent has put our family through, we are choosing to forgive. A great lesson can be learned from this heartbreaking situation. Regardless of the way that another person appears to you, it is never okay to publicly humiliate them via social media. We hope that this situation brings more awareness to what people with autism and other forms of social anxiety suffer through on a daily basis. Again, we thank the growing number of supporters who have shown both love and acceptance during this difficult time.” (Fox 19)
50 also issued a public apology Tuesday (May 3) evening.
“While the incident at the airport resulted from an unfortunate misunderstanding, I am truly sorry for offending the young man,” the rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, told Page Six in a statement. “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.” (Page Six)
Reports claimed the victim’s family wanted 50 to make an apology.
Ken says Andrew has never smoked or had a sip of alcohol in his life. He says Andrew has severe social anxiety, and that’s why he ignored 50 — he also doesn’t know who the rapper is. Ken says the family has lawyered up, and the only thing stopping them from suing immediately is concern about stiff attorney fees. He says they’d be willing to forget the whole thing, IF 50 Cent donates $1 million to Andrew’s GoFundMe page, and makes a face-to-face apology. (TMZ)
