NEW YORK — A day after Reebok ended its relationship with Rick Ross, the rapper acknowledged that his lyrics on Rocko’s song “U.O.E.N.O.” were “offensive.”

In a statement Friday, Ross said being a musician is “a great responsibility” and that his choice of words in the song “does not reflect my true heart.” In the song, Ross raps about giving a woman the drug MDMA, also known as Molly, and having his way with her. Women’s groups and rape victims issued petitions in recent weeks in protest.

“Before I am an artist, I am a father, a son, and a brother to some of the most cherished women in the world. So for me to suggest in any way that harm and violation be brought to a woman is one of my biggest mistakes and regrets,” his statement said.

On Thursday, Reebok said it had terminated its contract with Ross because the rapper wasn’t living “up to the values of our brand.” Ross has appeared in a commercial for the Reebok Classic sneakers.