N.J. Liquor Store Cancels 50 Cent Appearance After Autism Mockery Video

By Tom Davis (Patch Staff)

A New Jersey liquor store says it has canceled an appearance by rapper 50 Cent after he made a video mocking a man with autism.

The Stephens family, which owns Gerards Wine and Spirits on Bridge Avenue in Point Pleasant Boro, canceled a bottle-signing event that 50 Cent - otherwise known as Curtis Jackson, who owns ex-boxing champion Mike Tyson's former mansion in Farmington - was supposed to attend on May 13.

The family posted the cancelation on its Facebook page, saying the video from 50 Cent, who is a spokesperson for the EFFEN vodka brand, was "disgusting."

"As I'm sure you know or have heard, what has un-folded in the last 24 hours with 50 cent and the disgusting video and remarks he has made as a result we have decided to CANCEL the bottle signing at our store," the family wrote.

"Being in business since 1956, this is completely against everything Gerard's believes in and what we stand for," the family added. We are appalled at his behavior."

The owners also said they have decided to pull all of the vodka brand off the store's shelves and return it to the distributor.

"We live in a community where respect is of utmost importance, and this is completely disrespectful," they wrote. "We are currently looking into doing some type of donation for the month of May to an autism awareness charity. If you can suggest local options please comment on this post. Either way please share this post with as many of your friends as possible so we can spread the word about this disgrace."

Gerards Wine and Spirits initially announced that it was "excited" to say that 50 Cent will be at their store on May 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. for a bottle signing of EFFEN Vodka.

"We are excited that 50 Cent is coming to the store to sign bottles and promote the vodka," Joe Stephens, President of Gerards Wine and Spirits, said in a press release. "This is a great opportunity for those in our community to come out, visit the store and meet a celebrity. As we get closer to the event more information will be released, so those interested should keep watch on our website and Facebook page for more information."

Gerards Wine and Spirits is a family-run business operated by father and son, Joe and Joe Jr.

Here are details on the video: