Russell Simmons recoiled from the articulation of horror readers expressed at his decision to post a sex-tape parody of slave abolition heroine Harriet Tubman, and subsequently issued a mea culpa and removed the video from his website.
The legendary founder of the Def Jam Records, “Def Comedy Jam” and Phat Farm phenomenons took to his other online property holding, globalgrind.com, after withstanding a blizzard of a backlash from fans and entertainment contemporaries alike:
In the whole history of Def Comedy Jam, I’ve never taken down a controversial comedian. When my buddies from the NAACP called and asked me to take down the Harriet Tubman video from the All Def Digital YouTube channel and apologize, I agreed.
I’m a very liberal person with thick skin. My first impression of the Harriet Tubman piece was that it was about what one of actors said in the video, that 162 years later, there’s still tremendous injustice. And with Harriet Tubman outwitting the slave master? I thought it was politically correct. Silly me. I can now understand why so many people are upset. I have taken down the video. Lastly, I would never condone violence against women in any form, and for all of those I offended, I am sincerely sorry.
Uncle Rush also took to social media to reiterate his sentiments that he regrets the decision to post the video — as well as remarking that the desecration of a towering historical figure was one of the funniest things he had seen in a while.
The most effective way for me to move past the obstacles of the world is by turning inward and accepting my imperfections.
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) August 15, 2013
The only way to truly ensure your lasting happiness is thru being conscious and connected 2 God
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) August 15, 2013
Some readers accepted the apology, while many others found Simmons’ explanation grossly insufficient to mop up the damage already perpetrated by the posting of the horrific parody video. This is especially in light of the fact that Simmons cultivated a universal reputation as a left-leaning humanitarian, who got a lot of “pro-black swag” for blasting CNN anchor Don Lemon for partially agreeing with racist Bill O’Reilly on what’s wrong with the black race.
Even some of Simmons’ entertainment admirers and friends, such as Free, John Legend, Roland Martin and others to looked askance and rebuked the music mogul and bestselling author who is credited with helping to usher rap into the mainstream.
Take a look at what Simmons’ detractors had to say about his apology.
