Bliss N EsoMax MacKinnon aka MC Eso – one third of top Aussie hip hop group Bliss N Eso – has come under widespread public criticism after posting a photo of himself appearing to threaten a wax figure of Rihanna.
MacKinnon, currently in the US, posted on his own Instagram account a picture of himself next to a wax model of the female superstar, with a fist raised to her face. The caption reads “Where did ya throw those fucking car keys woman !?!” and includes the hashtags “#smackmybitch” and “#shelovesthewayithurts”.
OPINION: WHY MC ESO'S PHOTOS ARE INEXCUSABLE
“Where did ya throw those fucking car keys woman !?!”
Rihanna was the victim of a horrific beating in 2009 by then-boyfriend Chris Brown, which was universally condemned by the music and wider communities.
As well as the Rihanna photo Eso posted an picture of himself with fingers pointing to Lady Gaga’s genitals with the hashtag “#1upya”
Another saw him looking up the skirt of Raquel Welch. That caption read “If ya liked the Rihanna one , your gonna love this !!” (sic) with the hashtags “#cavebitch”, “#boxbasher”, “#oneeyeonthesnatch” and “#peekapoo”.
Following mass condemnation in the comments, Eso has since removed the photos and posted an apology, saying the photos were shot in a “comedic manner, which upon reflection I realise was in bad taste and unacceptable.”
An extended statement sent to theMusic.com.au this morning reads, "Violence against women has no place in our society and I am sincerely sorry for the offence that my previous Instagram posts have caused.
"The photos were not intended to promote violence and were shot in a comedic manner, which upon reflection I realise was in bad taste and unacceptable. I am and always have advocated strongly against domestic violence and especially violence against women.
"My music does and always will continue to spread a message of positivity, unity and equality.”
Representatives for Bliss N Eso have said that the artist has made a "huge" error of judgement and after taking the photos down it is something he is still concerned about, while holidaying in LA with his wife.
Bliss N Eso are one of Australia's most popular hip hop groups, have payed most of the country's major festivals and had two consecutive #1 albums.
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