TIDAL and Revolt TV have pulled an episode of Drink Champs that featured disgraced music mogul Russell Simmons. During his appearance on the show, Simmons discussed topics relating to Black Lives Matter, police brutality and race in America.
Simmons, who is currently battling multiple allegations of sexual assault, was immediately met with criticism for appearing on the show. Moreover, Revolt TV and TIDAL were met with criticism for allowing him on the show and then posting it for consumption.
Immediately after the episode was posted, one of Simmons’ accusers, Sil Lai Abrams, took to Twitter to air her grievances.
What in the entire hell are Jay Z and @TIDAL doing by giving Russell Simmons a platform to discuss #BlackLivesMatter? Why do people continue to give him a pass? @marclamonthill did you ask him about the multiple rape allegations against him??? https://t.co/oDI7fQtJHW
— Sil Lai “Scrappy” Abrams (@Sil_Lai) June 23, 2020
“What in the entire hell are Jay-Z and TIDAL doing by giving Russell Simmons a platform to discuss Black Lives Matter? Why do people continue to give him a pass,” she asked.
“Marc Lamont Hill, did you ask him about the multiple rape allegations against him,” she continued.
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.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) June 23, 2020
Hill did respond to Abrams’ question by stating that he was unaware that Simmons would appear on the show. He later added that he asked for the portion with Simmons not be aired. The political commentator also noted that he stands in solidarity with Simmons’ accusers.
This is not the first time in recent weeks that Simmons has appeared in the media. The entrepreneur appeared on The Breakfast Club to discuss his latest business ventures as well as On The Record, a documentary exploring the allegations made against him.
“There is absolutely an underground movement by powerful Black men in music to help Russell avoid accountability and whitewash his legacy. 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,” Abrams tweeted.
