Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault, and rape. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has appeared in a Valentine’s Day commercial for a US sex store, which also doubles as an anti-abuse ad.
If you’ve been paying attention to musical headlines over the last year, you’d undoubtedly be aware that US rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine (born Daniel Hernandez) is facing a litany of legal woes.
Arrested on federal charges of racketeering back in November, the artist consequentially pleaded not guilty to these charges.
However, it was recently revealed that the rapper might have struck a deal with prosecutors, pleading guilty to counts of conspiracy, racketeering, firearms offences, drug offences, and drug trafficking.
As it stands, his sentencing date is set to take place in January of 2020, and he could be facing a mandatory sentence of 47 years in prison if convicted.
Despite this, the artist has also found himself at the centre of other confronting cases, with his child sex case recently dismissed by a US judge, and the mother of his child accusing him of repeated physical and sexual abuse.
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As one would expect, this sort of behaviour would make someone like Tekashi 6ix9ine an undesirable figure, and not someone that any respectable business might want to associate with.
That, it seems, it not the thinking of a US sex shop.
As Consequence Of Sound reports, New York City adult store Romantic Depot has recently begun airing a Valentine’s Day ad that not only touches on issues of consent and abuse, but also stars Tekashi 6ix9ine.
Kicking off with a disclaimer that notes that “in no way does Romantic Depot support Tekashi 6ix9ine’s past activities,” the clip begins with the artist arriving at the store with a female partner.
“We’re ready to spice things up,” 6ix9ine can be heard saying, before a store worker reminds him that “you have to know your partner’s limitations.”
“I agree,” notes 6ix9ine with seemingly-forced sincerity. “When I was younger I used to make a lot of stupid mistakes, but I’m ready to learn more.”
“Thanks to Romantic Depot I now know how to treat women with dignity and respect.”
While Consequence Of Sound reports that the advertisement is still airing on local networks, the association of such a positive anti-abuse message with a controversial artist such as 6ix9ine is puzzling at best.
Check out Tekashi 6ix9ine’s anti-abuse ad:
https://youtu.be/YPtJBiP6BC0
