The editor-in-chief of Jackie magazine has resigned from her post amid growing controversy over an article that ran describing Rihanna in a derogatory way.
As we previously reported, the Dutch magazine ran an article that described Rihanna as "the ultimate n*ggab*tch."
Rihanna responded angrily to the article by tweeting the editor-in-chief, Eva Hoeke directly.
"@evajackie with the intent of abasement, that made no sense..."N*GGA B*TCH"?!....Well with all respect, on behalf of my race, here are my two words for you...F*CK YOU!!!" Rihanna wrote.
Hoeke issued an apology for letting the article slip through her "editor-in-chief's fingers." Saying the title of the article was meant as a joke. But her apology was criticized for being half-hearted. The criticism and public backlash has led to Eva resigning after eight years with the magazine.
Eva Hoeke
“I realize that my first reaction through Twitter, in which I indicated that it was a joke, has been an incomplete description of what me, and also the author of the article, meant," Hoeke said in a statement. "The term ‘n*ggab*tch’ came from America, and we solely used it to describe a style of dress. Because of the enormous pressure through social media I was tempted to promise amendment regarding the language in future issues of Jackie. Apart from that I also offered an rectification. I have now come to the conclusion that rectification is not the right solution. I regret that I have taken a stand too quickly regarding an article in Jackie — which moreover had no racial motive at its basis."
"Through the course of events, me and the publisher have concluded that because my credibility is now affected, it is better for all parties if I quit my function as editor-in-chief effective immediately. After putting my heart and soul into for Jackie for eight years, I realize that these errors — although not intented maliciously — are enough reason for leaving.”
Jackie has issued a statement regarding Eva's resignation. Read it in full below.
Eva Hoeke quits as Editor-in-Chief of Jackie magazine
As a result of a recent publication in Jackie magazine, issue 49, a worldwide outcry arised over an article on page 45 entitled “De N*ggab*tch”, which refers to Rihanna and her fashion style. This word is used as slang in the United States.
Throughout the various social media there has been an emotional response to this choice of words, as published in Jackie. As a first reaction to this editor-in-chief Eva Hoeke said via Twitter that the choice of words was meant as a joke and offered an apology to anyone who felt offended. This reaction stirred up even more commotion, as Hoeke herself also referred to the term elsewhere in the magazine.
In a second reaction through Twitter, Hoeke came to the following conclusion: ‘1. Don’t publish bad jokes in the magazine 2. Don’t pretend bad jokes to be funny. Sorry guys. My bad.’ The response on social media now took on an international character. In a third reaction Hoeke even stated that she would rectify in the next issue of Jackie. This morning Rihanna replied on the article through Twitter. She was furious over the use of the word ‘niggabitch’ and ended her message with ‘Fuck you Eva’. Through social media Hoeke was taunted and threatened in various ways.
Following these events she consulted with publisher Yves Gijrath of GMG. Together they came to the following conclusion: In the interest of Jackie Magazine and all involved she will quit her job as editor-in-chief effective immediately. Hoeke states: ‘I realize that my first reaction through Twitter, in which I indicated that it was a joke, has been an incomplete misrepresentation what me, and also the author of the article, meant. The term ‘niggabitch’ came from America and all we did was describing a style of dress. Because of the enormous pressure through social media I was enticed to promise amendment regarding the linguistic usage in future issues of Jackie. Apart from that I also offered an rectification. I have now come to the conclusion that rectification is not the right solution. I regret that I have taken a stand too quickly regarding an article in Jackie — which moreover had no racial motive at it’s basis. Through the course of events, me and the publisher have concluded that because my credibility is now affected, it is better for all parties if I quit my job as editor-in-chief immediately. After putting my heart and soul into Jackie magazine for eight years, I realize that these errors – although without malicious intentions – are enough reason for leaving.’
Publisher Yves Gijrath regrets the state of affairs and praises Hoeke’s attitude, who primarily thinks of the credibility of the title, which – as she realizes herself – would have been damaged had she stayed. According to Gijrath there’s no doubt about the intentions and qualities of Eva Hoeke, however he does think this joint decision is the correct one. Hoeke concludes: ‘I should have counted to ten before taking unsubtle stands through social media channels. Through this my credibility has been hurt and that neither fits the role of an editor-in-chief, nor Jackie Magazine.
Jackie Magazine will invite Rihanna to share her feelings and thoughts on the article in the next issue.
No word yet on whether or not Rihanna will take the magazine up on it's offer to give her opinion on the matter.
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