“In a sign that the uproar was threatening not only his reputation but also his business dealings, Dr. Dre, who has previously spoken dismissively or vaguely about the allegations [including criminal charges, that Dr. Dre physically abused women], which are decades old, confronted them on Friday in a statement to The New York Times,” Joe Coscarelli reports for The New York Times. “While he did not address each allegation individually, he said: ‘Twenty-five years ago I was a young man drinking too much and in over my head with no real structure in my life. However, none of this is an excuse for what I did. I’ve been married for 19 years and every day I’m working to be a better man for my family, seeking guidance along the way. I’m doing everything I can so I never resemble that man again.’ He added: ‘I apologize to the women I’ve hurt. I deeply regret what I did and know that it has forever impacted all of our lives.'”
“Apple, where Dr. Dre, 50, now works as a top consultant, also issued a statement: ‘Dre has apologized for the mistakes he’s made in the past and he’s said that he’s not the same person that he was 25 years ago. We believe his sincerity and after working with him for a year and a half, we have every reason to believe that he has changed,'” Coscarelli reports. “In interviews with The Times this week, the women at the center of the allegations — the hip-hop journalist Dee Barnes; Michel’le, an R&B singer and Dr. Dre’s former girlfriend; and Tairrie B, a onetime labelmate — spoke about the abuse.”
“At a panel for ‘Straight Outta Compton’ this month, the film’s director, F. Gary Gray, was asked why the film omitted Ms. Barnes’s story, in which Dr. Dre confronted her at a party in 1991 about an N.W.A. segment on her Fox show ‘Pump It Up!'” Coscarelli reports. “According to a statement Ms. Barnes issued at the time, Dr. Dre began punching her in the head and “slamming her face and the right side of her body repeatedly against a wall.” (Charged with assault and battery, he pleaded no contest. He was sentenced to community service and probation, fined $2,500 and ordered to make a domestic violence P.S.A.; a civil suit was settled out of court.) Since the attack, Ms. Barnes said that she has had trouble finding work in the entertainment industry: ‘His career continued, where mine dwindled. People side with the money.'”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Sickening. Gives a sad, new meaning to “Beats by Dr. Dre” (change the name, Apple!) and stains Apple Inc. by association.
The left ( I believe it is safe to call Apple part of the institutionalized left in America ) has a propensity for not only forgiving but elevating black brutes and thugs to new heights of stardom. They love them some thuggery. It’s called diversity baby!
#blackliesmatter
T-Mac…I’m not sure the forgiveness & elevation is related to merely blacks. It’s hard to find one on the left that is bothered by the abusive, childish and philandering antics of our 1st black prez. To my inability to understand, he’s more lauded and praised. These are just two following a consistent and broad pattern.
It’s mostly conservative-leaning folks who are defending serial-rapist Bill Cosby – perhaps because he liked to hypocritically preach the “politics of respectability” over actual justice. Then again, it’s a wide range of people who defend child-rapist Woody Allen.
How about we agree that people of all political stripes seem to wrongly defend abuse if it comes from one of their heroes? Maybe we shouldn’t idolize individuals so much – it prevents us from seeing the truth.
How about we agree that everyone should condemn abusive behavior, no matter whose “team” the abuser is on?
No one is defending Bill Cosby. If anything it’s like what I am experiencing with his situation. Shock and profound disappointment. Long, long before he was “TVs” dad, he was inspirational in his clean comedic work and (for me) his portrayal of Rhodes Scholar Alexander Scott on “I Spy.” To find out that he’s had this serial rapist thing going on is so 180 degrees from who he’s always seemed to be that it is just difficult to accept.
Dre on the other hand has never been anything except a violent scumbag and thug. No surprise here. It’s all here. It’s in the public record and the lyrics. Well now he’s Apple’s boy with Tim Cook’s blessing. The hypocrisy on this is overwhelming. It says that Tim Cook will wipe his social justice warrior jackboots on your face if there’s money to be made.
Bill Cosby was my FAVORITE comedian growing up. I had his records and tapes. I listened to them until they were ruined. My dad, on the other hand, hated him. Not from the comedy I was exposed to, but from the early movies, he was exposed to. He didn’t think he was funny or a great guy. I am very disappointed by all this.
I don’t know what to think about Dr Dre and his problems, but they are very common. Bill’s problems are extraordinary. Anyway this is really messed up for Apple. It’s not like they go around and ask potential partners, if they raped or beat people. The contract is done.
As others suggested, Beats name is about music, not terror. However, maybe if they did change he name of the product, it would be poetic. How do you account for water under the bridge?
No one forced to Apple to affiliate with Dr. Dre. They have billions of dollars to spend on investigations so they certainly knew everything in his background. I, like most people, thought that this was a bad move. I believe that ultimately we will be correct. It will be a bad move by Apple.
Bottom line is Apple didn’t hire Bill Cosby.
Precisely TM. Too many people out there dispensing with the notion of personal responsibility and there are no real wrongs. Everything can be excused. A definite convenient corruption of basic morals. Loathsome human beings come in all shapes, sexes, sizes and colors. As well as those wolves sometimes in sheep’s clothing. And most of the time a leopard doesn’t change it’s spots, just rearranges them
Really? Are they the same ones who are defending Roman Polanski?
No, I don’t think people on the Right defend a sex offender nearly as much as the Left after it has been proven and not just tabloid fodder.
I noticed this long before I became a staunch Conservative. It’s woven into the Liberal fabric of being a ‘free spirit’.
Keep in mind I am differentiating between ‘acceptance’ and ‘forgiveness’.
I need to meet the real cast of characters behind this site.
This site and its pundits give me the best laughs every day
The left? Don’t single out left or right. It’s just American society. Look at pro sports. There are some good role models, but there are a lot of thugs, too. And if people think that guy will help win the SuperBowl/World Series etc., they mostly don’t care what he’s done.
Spot on TM.
I’d say cancel that Apple Music Subscription until he’s gone.
That hypocrite. I thought his songs were always talking about how much he loved his bitches and ho’s after he slapped them around and well, you know, with all his friends. He comes across like such a sweet guy in his ballads.
The new face of Apple…
Rapper that beats his bitches.
Gay dude that loves his sausage.
Seriously? Why is it that people are always out for a which hunt, acting like they themselves have never made any mistakes in their life? EVERYBODY’s shit stinks, even yours! So when someone apologizes for their mistakes (from 25 fucking years ago), and proves that they are a different person, you should accept that they have changed and move on.
Made mistakes? MADE MISTAKES? People like Dre are more at fault for the situation of blacks in America than almost anything. They glamorize violent antisocial behavior and con black kids into emulating them. Beating the crap out of women then bragging about it in song lyrics is far beyond “mistakes.” His crimes are extremely significant and I find Apple’s blasé attitude about them pathetic and disgusting. He is far more offensive than any stupid image of the Confederate Flag and Apple is going to be forced to divorce themselves from him before this is over.
not condoning abuse
but if you’re an adult and abused there’s all kinds of actions you can take. Basically (people can flame me) but ADULT who remain in an abusive relationship have decided the ‘pros are better than the cons (the abuse) ‘. Once again not condoning dr Dre’s actions but some of these women stuck around because he was a ‘star’ — the ‘pros’ like status, money hanging out with a star overrode the cons. Adults today can do all kinds of stuff: social organizations, police, courts or as Ms Barnes case (see article) : fines AND Civil Suit ($$$). Even that girl who willingly went to Mike Tyson’s bedroom put him in jail and sued him as well.
Abused CHILDREN are different altogether as they don’t know the world and are totally dependent.
I worked as a contractor for social services for over 10 years.
Someone comes into money and all those who think they might have a claim suddenly have the ‘courage’ to speak out.
That apart, why Apple felt it needed his ‘talents’; and some crappy, fashion headphone company in exchange for $Bn’s has yet to be proven value for money.
Another FUD Season article. . . there can be no other reason why this article was published now, during the three weeks before lead up to the Apple product announcement on September 9th. It fits the FUD pattern. . . little substantive news value and slams Apple with negativity. Perfect FUD story which will have a negative effect on AAPL stock value.
I agree there is a lot of nonsense FUD against Apple. But, if you don’t realize how reasonable it is for criticism of Dre to make the news when he was the subject of a just-released movie, I think you’re pushing the conspiracy too far. 🙂
Welcome to planet earth. People do stupid things and sometimes they learn from them as they get older.
As for rap, well listen to the lyrics, you don’t think some of that stuff is inspired by the lifestyles people in that business live?
As I pointed out on an other MDN thread, Dr. Dre is a no-talent wretched performer and song writer who brings out the worst of the dregs of music pop culture (and is not alone). As a front man for Apple he was and shall always be a disaster. Not the guy. Out of all the possibilities and this jerk is put in this frontline position? Unbelievable.
Please Apple, grab him by the scruff of the neck, give him the bum’s rush and then drop kick him out the nearest door never to be seen again. Remember this too – people rarely change their spots.
Wow. I take it in your universe no one ever makes a mistake, (or two) I take it? And as far as Dr. Dre being a “no-talent wretched performer” I can’t speak to, because I don’t listen to his music.
Why do I get the feeling you don’t either and you dislike rap as a genre, which is really sad because some of it is really awesome.
That probably being the case, what is it that you actually have against the man?
Just read the lyrics.
It’s easier to remain supportive AND supportive by not reading the lyrics. (I.e. Your one star vote)
What lyrics are you speaking to? The man as a lot of material out there.
Ha, ha.
You must be… 22? 23?
Rap music is “Awesome”? You are in “Awe” when you listen to some rap music? Wow. Rap may be commercially viable, culturally acceptable, rhythmic, have “a beat”, but there are many, many, many other genres that I would consider “Music”, actual MUSIC…before rap.
Even for the sake of the conversation…you listen to rap but have not listened to Dr. Dre? That means you are listing to contemporary rap which is pathetically stupid. And I don’t mean “Stupid” in a “hip-hop” way. It’s dumb. It’s bad. It’s tired.
You might want to listen to a few of the oldies…you probably haven’t…because…… 22? 23?
A mistake… Abuse is a mistake? I think you mean a “Crime”. Responsible people call that a crime…punishable by law.
Knocking over a glass of water is a mistake. Bumping into someone is a mistake. Forgetting a task or duty at work is a mistake. Abuse is devastating, wrong, not soon forgotten, and as mentioned before, a crime….but not a mistake. No one intentionally knocks over water, bumps into someone, or is forgetful. Abuse is deliberate, however misguided the abuser.
Were you raised in an orphanage? On the streets? Do you know anything of humanity?
Just read the lyrics as BMWTwisty said.
It’s all poor grammar, bitches, hos, drugs, “BIGGER THAN LIFE” (But broke in 5 years), bling, cars, clubs . . . you know, all the things you would want from your own children…
Ever hear those, “people that listen to classical music while studying are more likely to…” statements? Yeeeeaaaah. You never hear that about rap. So…
I’m not angrily ranting because I or a loved one have been abused. I’m ranting because your comment is beyond ignorant and typical of a young person not too experienced in life and things that “has an opinion!!!”, but should really just “be quiet”.
Enjoy your weekend!
Oh, last thing…grow up.
Nicely said Chase. Quite a few chuckles in there too. No doubt it will fall on appropriately deaf ears with so many essential truths revealed.
You’re got to learn to be a bit more concise, because you’re rambling is a bit tiring.
I’ll grow up when you stop writing meandering missives (and I skipped to the end, because the time it would take to bet though your novelization I’d never get back)..
So in other words, call me ‘Peter Pan.’
Using faux lofty ivory tower nit-witicisms to avoid your own argument deficiencies and blind point of view is a poor tactic. You were completely owned and nailed by Chase.
ScreenPhiles.
hey.
I used to be hard headed and that about many things. and that.
But let me tell you, your way of argument doesn’t get things done. nowhere on this earth and beyond.
Learn from this, and make it better. and read Chase’s meandering missives. then read them again. and think it all over.
You may emerge a stronger and even better human being than currently you think you are. And you will be proud of it. that.
I am sure.
To each their own and I have very eclectic tastes but not the sour revolting taste I get for rap. Very little of it gets my nod of approval and I don’t or won’t apologize for it having not been fooled by it. I have everything against those who propagate bad music and moronic song writing style, along with repetitious me-too production techniques. BORING. No meat on dese bones and essentially it’s rude and crude and attempting to cash in cynically on same. There are lots of wonderful performers in the world to pay attention to, Dr. Dre isn’t one, neither is he a role model, except for juvenile delinquents and misogynists. I tire too of the Chris Brown’s and Kanye West’s of the world who are wretched examples of humanity. There are plenty of reputable great black artists with genuine talent, but these aren’t them. IMHO.
I’ve never asked for you to apologize for anything, so I don’t know where that’s coming from.
Nor is it worth acknowledging your feelings about rap, which are pretty indicative of someone who has no idea what they’re talking about.
And I don’t claim that Dr. Dre is a role model, far from it. Then again, the last time I checked he never claimed to be.
As you say, you’re entitled to your own opinion, no matter now baseless it happens to be.
People who say things like “pretty indicative of someone who has no idea what they’re talking about” I’ve found are the one’s truly lost. All I need are my eyes and ears to judge. What are you using?
As Thelonious Mac has said here “Dre on the other hand has never been anything except a violent scumbag and thug. No surprise here. It’s all here. It’s in the public record and the lyrics.” & “The left ( I believe it is safe to call Apple part of the institutionalized left in America) has a propensity for not only forgiving but elevating black brutes and thugs to new heights of stardom. They love them some thuggery. It’s called diversity baby!”
Your the type who excuses everything that’s convenient to you and relegate common sense to the dustbin. Your whole commentary is baseless since you deny empirical truths and the evidence before your eyes. And no doubt your young, naive and need time to draw a clearer perspective – to put it politely.
This came about because Tim Cook would have in no uncertain terms fired his ass. He’s done it before when he thought an apology was warranted, and I feel reasonably certain that he would have done so again.
Why did Cook hire a rapper punk in the first place? There is absolutely nothing that Dre can do to improve Apple except to leave. With Ahrendts, Ive, and Cue. Beats has been a horrible mess. Nothing else seems to be execute well, or on time. All these overpaid execs have overstayed, none are producing world class results. Hire a real software development team and get updating the stale products!!!
“Rapper punk?” Seriously? Get back to me when you can disconnect your seemingly pathological dislike for a person you don’t know and have never met, so that we can have an actual discussion.
You really have a problem judging people don’t you? Even when the evidence stares you straight in the face. Thankfully you aren’t a Judge or nobody would ever be convicted.
Awwww, group hug!
This is one of the most disgusting things Apple could have done.. sure shout me down when I talk against Apple watch and Apple Music but this is a different ball game.. This is disgusting. Apple should STFU and just bring out the devices and not certify people with criminal behaviour. Apple wants to do business with such morons that is their prerogative. Looks like Apple under cook seems to have become a stumbling and bumbling fool. Good luck.
Beaten by Dr. Dre.
Apple should just keep “Beats” and drop the “by Dr. Dre” bit since he brings so much baggage to brand.
Oh man, you beat me to the “punch.” Hah!
Maybe Dre will be poached by Tesla to help develop Assaultin’ Batteries.
I’m pleased the good doctor is thoroughly repentant about his wayward youth. That must be why he’s put tracks on his latest album with charming lyrics about making even raped women orgasm and so on.
So remember everyone:
Historical war re-enactment apps featuring the Confederate Flag = BAD.
Misogynistic rappers who are rillyrilly cool and have kit and image you rillyrilly want = GOOD.
I’m from the UK, by the way, so I’m really not trying to stir some weird North-South/White-Black/Liberal-Righty pot. Because we don’t really understand any of that over here. Too busy brushing our teeth and queuing.
Great points Brother over the pond.
Apple needs to apologize to the shareholders for pissing away money on Beats, fire Andre Young dba Dre & Iovine, shutter Beats and fix iTunes.
Not going to give one offing dime to the misogynist Andre Young.