Jay-Z’s streaming service Tidal, along with Diddy’s Revolt TV, made the decision to drop Russell Simmons episode of “Drink Champs” from streaming platforms following an outpouring of backlash from his sexual assault accusers. All social media posts promoting the episode have also been erased.
Earlier in the week, Tidal began promoting the upcoming podcast episode of “Drink Champs” hosted by rapper N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. On this special edition of the show, the hosts held a panel to discuss Black Lives Matter, which included Russell Simmons alongside Marc Lamont Hill, Talib Kweli, Mysonne, and Bun B.
Russell’s accuser, activist Sil Abrams, who was featured in the documentary “On The Record,” which highlighted the sexual assault allegations against Simmons,’ took to Twitter to call out HOV and Diddy for providing Simmons’ with a platform.
“The Breakfast Club airs on Puffy’s Revolt network. Tidal is owned by Jay Z. Both platforms have had Russell Simmons on talking about social justice issues despite the allegations of sexual violence and harassment he has engaged in for decades. All 3 men are Black music moguls.” Abrams wrote. She continued, “There is absolutely an underground movement by powerful Black men in music to help Russell avoid accountability and whitewash his legacy.”
Recently, “The Breakfast Club” came under fire for interviewing Russell Simmons. Since that interview aired, host Angela Yee went on to defend Simmons’ accusers.
Sil added, “Jay Z and Puff won’t stand up for Russell via public statements, but they are still rape apologists. By quietly giving him an unchallenged voice on their media platforms, they make a huge statement: Black survivors of sexual violence are an irrelevant casualty of hip hop.”
Another Twitter user also chimed in challenging the streaming platform by saying, “Tidal is having a discussion on Black Lives Matter with Russell Simmons as one of the panelists. So just fuck Black women, huh?” while another tweeted, “Russell Simmons literally fled the country after being accused of sexually assaulting Black women. & Was allowed to sit on a podcast to discuss BLM & of course nobody bothered to ask why Black women’s lives don’t matter to him…”
Elsewhere, Marc Lamont Hill opened up about the episode, revealing that he had no idea Simmons would be in attendance. “A few weeks ago, I appeared on Drink Champs. I was asked to join a discussion with Bun B, Talib Kweli, and Mysonne. About 2.5 hours into the show, Russell Simmons appeared. I had NO IDEA he was scheduled. I would NEVER have appeared if I had known.” Hill tweeted about the incident.
N.O.R.E. then took to Twitter also to issue an apology to Marc Lamont Hill.
“I apologize for me not being fully aware of what was going on!!! I just wanted to put black men together who are powerful for a powerful convo !!! Moving forward, I will be more aware of guests and who and how they are presented !!!”
Russell has continuously denied all allegations against him.
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