Apple exec Jimmy Iovine has issued an apology following significant online backlash for comments made on US breakfast show CBS This Morning in which he suggested that women were incapable — or, at least, not very good at — finding new music.
As Billboard reports, Iovine had been on the CBS program alongside veteran singer Mary J Blige, who stars in a new series of commercials for Apple Music (along with actresses Kerry Washington and Taraji P. Henson) in which she listens to songs on the service. Iovine had been touting Apple Music's ease of use when he said that he knew that "Women find it very difficult at times … to find music".
"I just thought of a problem: Girls are sitting around talking about boys," Iovine said, "or complaining about boys, when they have their heart broken or whatever. And they need music for that, right? It's hard to find the right music. Not everybody knows a DJ."
Despite a defense on Twitter from CBS This Morning host Gayle King (she says he was "totally taken out of context"), Iovine nonetheless has released a statement apologising for the wording of his comment.
"We created Apple Music to make finding the right music easier for everyone — men and women, young and old," Iovine said. "Our new ad focuses on women, which is why I answered the way I did, but of course the same applies equally for men.
"I could have chosen my words better, and I apologise."
The full original spot responsible for the controversy is available to watch on CBS's website.
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