(CNN) PepsiCo is ending its relationship with rapper Lil Wayne over what the company calls an offensive reference to a revered civil rights icon 14 year old Emmett Till who was killed nearly 60 years ago.
Till a 14 year old black youth was killed in Mississippi in 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman. He was beaten to the extent that his face was unrecognizable when his body was discovered. He was identified by a monogrammed ring belonging to his father.
Mountain Dew a brand of PepsiCo said Friday its relationship with the rapper would end. Did sizzurp send Lil Wayne to hospital
A Mountain Dew spokesman told CNN We do not plan any additional work with Lil Wayne moving forward. His offensive reference to a revered civil rights icon does not reflect the values of our brand.
The spokesman declined to comment on the company s previous relationship with the artist.
Sarah Cunningham publicist for Lil Wayne s record label Young Money issued the following statement to CNN I can confirm that due to creative differences we mutually decided to part ways. It was amicable.
Till a Chicago teenager who was visiting relatives in Mississippi in 1955 was arrested at gunpoint and severely beaten. One of his eyes was gouged before he was killed by a single gunshot to the head. The teen s body was tied to a large fan before being dumped into a river.
Members of the Till family could not be reached for comment Friday by CNN but the Rev. Al Sharpton said he has set up a meeting next week between PepsiCo officials and members of the family.
In a statement to CNN Sharpton said that the situation was a teaching moment for Lil Wayne corporate America and the family of Emmett Till more than a condemnation of any one artist it is an affirmation of Emmett Till and a call for more sensitivity about what we say and do in our culture.
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