Louis Roederer Cristal has
responded to a massive boycott over statements made about various rappers’ patronage
of the pricey drink.
In a special Summer
2006 article titled "Bubbles & Bling" in The Economist magazine,
Rouzaud was quoted in an article stating that he viewed Hip-Hop’s obsession
with the brand with "curiosity and serenity."
Rouzaud also said
"We can’t forbid people from buying it. I’m sure Dom Perignon or Krug would
be delighted to have their business."
The story caused
massive backlash against Cristal, culminating in a boycott of the drink led
by Jay-Z, who pulled the expensive drink from his popular 40/40 sports bar franchise.
"I view his
comments as racist and will no longer support any of his products through any
of my various brands including The 40/40 Club nor in my personal life,"
Jay-Z said in a statement issued on Wednesday (June 14).
"A house like
Louis Roederer would not have existed since 1776 without being totally open
and tolerant to all forms of culture and art, including the most recent musical
and fashion styles which — like Hip-Hop — keep us in touch with modernity,"
Louis Roederer Cristal said in a statement to AllHipHop.com.
Cristal imports
over 50,000 cases of the champagne annually.