DJ Cipha and Haitians Case
On-air personality DJ Cipha Sounds has been set aside from his position at New York City's Hot 97 radio station after making a controversial comment earlier this week, which sparked members of the Haitian community to boycott the station.
Cipha, who co-hosts the station's morning show alongside hip-hop personality Peter Rosenberg, shocked Haitian listeners after making the joke, "The reason I'm HIV negative is 'cause I don't mess with Haitian girls." Although Cipha was quick to come out a full, on-air apology after making what he admitted was a "tasteless" joke, the station was instantly swamped with complaints from listeners.
On Wednesday, it was proclaimed that the 34-year-old morning show host would be froze indefinitely from his post at the station. A spokesperson for Hot 97 explained that despite Cipha's apology, it was crucial to prove listeners that their concerns were taken seriously. "Cipha made a quick public apology and acknowledges his insensitivity and the negative affect his comments have on all Haitians," explained Alex Cameron, SVP/Market Manager of Emmis-New York, the company which owns the station. "The Haitian community is an important part of our listenership whom we respect and value. The suspension is an indication of the importance we place on delivering a product that respects our Haitian audience." The DJ will also partake in "sensitivity training" that focuses on Haiti and the serious nature of the HIV/AIDS problem within the country.
DJ Cipha Sounds is a co-host of 'The Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg Show,' which airs weekdays morning from 5AM to 10AM on Hot 97.
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