POP/ROCK - June 23, 1989

The leader of the militant black rap group Public Enemy has apologized for a now-ousted band member’s remark that all Jews are “wicked.” “Our job is not to offend anybody,” rapper Chuck D. said, explaining Public Enemy’s decision to fire its “minister of information,” Richard (Professor Griff) Griffin. In an article published last month in The Washington Times and excerpted last week in The Village Voice, Griffin was quoted as saying “the Jews are wicked and we can prove this.” His firing came amid growing furor that included proposed boycotts against the critically acclaimed rap group. “The offensive remarks by my brother, Professor Griff, are not in line with Public Enemy’s policy at all,” said Chuck D. “We’re not anti-Jewish or anti-anyone. We’re pro-black. . . . We don’t stand for hatred. . . . We’re apologizing to anyone who might be offended by Griff’s remarks.”