MMA fighter Conor McGregor holds up a copy of Jay-Z’s ‘4:44’ during a press event in anticipation for his fight with Floyd Mayweather; Photo: ESPN

After referring to black people from one of the Rocky movies as “monkeys,” MMA fighter Conor McGregor said he’s not racist because he listens to JAY-Z‘s new album, 4:44.

During the tour to promote his fight with Floyd Mayweather, McGregor defended himself against accusations that he’s racist. During this tour, he said to Mayweather, “Dance for me, boy! Dance for me, son!” according to ESPN.

Mayweather specifically pointed out why he feels McGregor was being racist.

“Racism still exists,” Mayweather said. “…He totally disrespected black women, he called black people monkeys, and he was disrespectful to my [13-year-old] daughter. I’m not going to stoop that low to talk about his wife or child.”

During one tour appearance, McGregor pulled out a copy of 4:44 and gave it to Mayweather as Biggie Smalls’ music pumped through the speakers.

“How could you say that [I’m racist],” McGregor told reporters. “When look at me, for f**k’s sake. I mean, I’m coming out rapping bleeding Biggie … I pulled out JAY-Z’s album and all tonight, for f**k’s sake!”

McGregor went on to say he’s a huge fan of rap music.

“All I listen to is rap,” he said. “I’m just out there having fun.”

At a different appearance, he took on Mayweather directly.

“If he feels disrespected, he’s an idiot, and f**k him as well,” McGregor told reporters at a press conference. “I think it’s f***ing ridiculous. I don’t understand it. I know who I am as a person.”

But Mayweather said there’s a line, and McGregor crossed it, saying, “There’s certain levels you don’t stoop to or cross.”

JAY-Z’s album has gotten it’s own share of criticism that it’s racist. The lyrics being criticized are from “The Story of O.J. for possible anti-semitic undertones:”

You wanna know what’s more important than throwin’ away money at a strip club?
Credit
You ever wonder why Jewish people own all the property in America?
This how they did it
Financial freedom my only hope
F**k livin’ rich and dyin’ broke

Regardless of the potential racism in JAY-Z’s song, McGregor using the argument that listening to music made by a black man means he’s not racist, is not an argument at all.