Multiple professionals in the media and entertainment industry have accused popular journalist Lamar “Blog Xilla” Valentine of sexual misconduct.
Leading the way, retired journalist Lindsey India posted multiple tweets chronicling interactions between herself and Valentine when the two worked together. Throughout the social media thread, India claims Valentine “bragged in a staff meeting about keeping photos of nudes of women [he] received through snail mail.” She later alleged that he told her “his penis size” and “tried to intimidate” her boyfriends.
Journalist Sidnee Michelle also chronicled an incident in which she went to drop off footage from an interview at Valentine’s apartment. After arriving, Michelle claims that Valentine prepared a cooked meal for her and “was mad that [she] thought he would cut this footage without [her] staying over night with him.” Approximately a month after this incident, Michelle reportedly received an email saying that she had been let go from Global Grind, where the two worked together.
After speaking with @LindseyIndia & a few other women, I’ve decided to share my story. I’m embarrassed & ashamed to share this, as I stay far away from drama & don’t speak on what I don’t know. But this hits home so – here is my story about @GlobalGrind ‘s predator BlogXilla pic.twitter.com/ABvj40o1VV
— Sidnee Michelle (@SidMich_) April 30, 2020
Adding on to the list of allegations, others have come to the aid of those impacted by Valentine’s alleged actions.
“This is NOT ok. @BlogXilla, whether we’ve worked together in the past or not, does not invalidate what @LindseyIndia experienced. Creating an unsafe space for her and in a myriad of compromising positions is WRONG! Name dropping me (or ANY woman) does NOT absolve you of that,” media mogul Karen Civil wrote.
“BlogXilla has actually been someone I’ve discussed with my girlfriends about how he makes me uncomfortable. For me, he’s never gone beyond harmless flirting and attempting to meet up, but even then something felt off. I fully support the women speaking out and stand with them,” former Hot 97 personality Marisa Mendez added.
After turning down more than one sexual advance which I chalked up to…. a unique armpit fettish…. I reached out to @BlogXilla for guidance on how to write pitches and proposals to partner with major brands with my creative work. He shut me down on some https://t.co/dpy97otnIg
— the baddie next door. (@THEKayVega) April 29, 2020
After these allegations of misconduct surface, Valentine posted a series of tweets online. As the day progressed, some of those tweets were deleted. Of those remaining on his profile, one was directed towards India directly.
“I called Lindsey to apologize for disrespecting her and I am deeply sorry for the pain I have caused her,” he tweeted.
“The bottom line is I was wrong and I take full responsibility,” he added.
Valentine has not been charged with a crime. Furthermore, Global Grind has not issued a statement regarding the matter.
