Many people enjoy rap music at least in part because of its edgy, troublemaking vibe. The problem is that some of this music could cause real trouble. Thus, Ice-T's song top Killer' generated significant controversy when it was released. Among other things, its lyrics celebrated the idea of slitting a policeman's throat Rick Ross rapped about drugging and raping a woman. Time Warner Inc. did not withdraw Ice-T's song but Reebok fired Ross over his lyrics. One difference: Time Warner was struggling with a 515 billion debt and a depressed stock price. Reebok at first refused to takeaction but then singing group Ultraviolet began circulating an online petition against the song and staged a protest at the main Reebok store in New York.
What obligation do companies have to their customers? What factors matter when making a decision about the content of entertainment.