Haitian Community Protests DJ: MyFoxNY.com
DAMN CIPHA!!!!!
Members of New York City’s Haitian community want DJ Cipha Sounds of the HOT 97 morning show to be fired for his on-air joke about Haitian women and HIV.
The Daily News reports that Hot 97 co-host, Cipha Sounds, said on Friday that “The reason I’m HIV negative is because I don’t mess with Haitian girls.”
The disc jockey, whose real name is Luis Diaz, has since apologized to his listeners, calling the remark “a stupid, tasteless joke.”
A coalition of Haitian community leaders demonstrated outside the station’s headquarters on Tuesday to call for Diaz’s dismissal.
Diaz is a host on the morning show, “The Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg Show.”
Hot 97 management did not return Fox 5’s call for comment.
It is not known when Cipha Sounds will return to co-host the “Cipha Sounds and Paul Rosenberg Morning Show,” where the comments were made.
Additionally, Hot 97 revealed that Cipha Sounds will immediately undertake “sensitivity training” focused on the Haitian community and the serious nature of the HIV/AIDS problem within the community.
“Cipha made an immediate public apology and recognizes his insensitivity and the negative impact his comments have on all Haitians,” said Alex Cameron, SVP/Market Manager of Emmis-New York. “The Haitian community is an important part of our listenership whom we respect and value. The suspension is an indication of the importance we place on delivering a product that respects our Haitian audience.”
Cameron expressed regret at the entire situation, because of Cipha Sounds’ involvement in helping to raise money for charity, after a deadly 7.0 earthquake ravaged the country in January.
“It’s a very regrettable and unfortunate circumstance for all involved and particularly because we know this is not the nature of this young man who has been an advocate of the Haitian community and a big part of our fundraising efforts for Haiti,” Cameron continued. “He is committed to working with the Haitian community to make a difference and turn this negative incident into an opportunity for increased learning and awareness.”
Hot 97 will also start working with local community leaders to help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in the Haitian community.