University College Cork Students' Union (UCCSU) have cancelled a competition offering free tickets to students to see Dublin rap duo Versatile at the 3Arena.
The competition was posted on the SU's social media accounts last week but was soon taken down after backlash from the student body.
A statement from the college said: "After discussions amongst the Students’ Union team, we’ve decided that we will be ending our Versatile competition immediately.”
“UCC Students’ Union received no monetary gain to run this competition and the sole purpose of this competition was, as previously stated, to provide two students with the opportunity to attend a sold out gig in 3Arena.”
“From listening to our students, it is clear that the controversial and provocative lyrics and attitudes portrayed by the two performers who make up the rap group Versatile have caused upset amongst many.”
The controversial rap group have been heavily criticised for their lyrics and image depicting drug use and class-based stereotypes.
The group - which describes themselves as 'inner-city degenerates' - have also drawn criticism for their use of blackface in pictures on their social media accounts.
