Eva Hoeke, editor-in-chief of popular Dutch magazine Jackie quit after receiving worldwide disapproval for the magazine’s choice of words for a story in reference to Rihanna. 

Said to have been written in a joking way, the article, which also generalized Black woman, was not funny to the Black community in the Netherlands or to those around the world who spoke out.

The article boldly referred to Rihanna “the ultimate “N*GGAB*ITCH,” and used words like “ghetto a**” and “porn heels” in reference to the superstar.  

Rihanna took to Twitter with her response: 

"@evajackie I hope u can read english, because your magazine is a poor representation of the evolution of human rights! I find you disrespectful, and rather desperate!! You ran out of legit, civilized information to print! There are 1000's of Dutch girls who would love to be recognized for their contributions to your country, you could have given them an article. Instead, u paid to print one degrading an entire race! That's your contribution to this world! To encourage segregation, to mislead the future leaders to act in the past! You put two words together, with the intent of abasement, that made no sense..." Rihanna typed.

Eva initially went to Twitter to explain that the article was a “joke” and thought that this term “from America” would be “suitable to describe a particular style of dressing,” but that didn’t help matters at hand.  In the end, she stepped down after eight years in charge.


"I realize that my initial reaction on Twitter, where I stated that it was a joke, was an incomplete description of what I, and also the author of the article meant. The term has come over from America and I thought it would be suitable to describe a particular style of dressing. Due to the enormous pressure from social media, I promised to do better regarding our language use in future issues of Jackie as well as rectifying the situation," Eva wrote.

"I have now come to the conclusion that rectification is not the proper solution. I regret that I expressed my opinion too quickly without carefully thinking things through. I, along with the publisher came to the conclusion that it’s better for all parties if I immediately lay down my duties as editor now that my credibility has been affected negatively. After eight years of dedicating myself with my heart and soul to Jackie, I realize that these errors – although without any bad intentions – are a reason for leaving.

See Rihanna's tweets below.

—Kia Jefferson




Sound off!  Was this blatant racism or a miscommunication of a bad translation? Share your thoughts.

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Photos: Women Making a Mark