"Before I am an artist, I am a father, a son, and a brother to some of the most cherished women in the world," he writes. "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."

In the statement, Ross goes on to say: "As an artist, one of the most liberating things is being able to paint pictures with my words. But with that comes a great responsibility. And most recently, my choice of words was not only offensive, it does not reflect my true heart. And for this, I apologize."