Rick Ross insists he ‘respects’ women as he apologises for ‘insensitive comment’ about why he won’t sign female acts

Rick Ross has apologised after claiming the reason he can’t sign female acts is because he would end up “f******” them.

Ross said his inability to keep his hands off of women would prove detrimental to his label, Maybach Music Group.

Speaking to Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club he said: “You know, I never did it because I always thought, like, I would end up f****** a female rapper and f****** the business up.”

Ross – who was slammed as sexist by critics – has since apologised, insisting his comment was not a “reflection of my beliefs”, and something he now regrets.

“I want to address an insensitive comment I made on a very sensitive issue, especially in a minority dominated industry like hip hop,” he wrote in a statement on Facebook. “My entire empire's backbone is led by 2 of the strongest people I know and they happen to be women, my mother and sister.

“The operations wouldn't run without them and I have the highest regard and respect for women in this industry. I have a daughter myself, my most cherished gift in the world.”

He continued: “My comment is not reflection of my beliefs on the issue. A mistake I regret. I hope to use my mistake, my platform and the community to create positive discussion to implement change on a very important issue.”

Ross said he is looking forward to “working with and supporting female artists,” finishing: “ I look forward to clarifying my comments through my support.”