Activist Sil Lai Abrams and Russell Simmons’s accuser, is calling out Jay-Z and his music company Tidal for giving Russell Simmons a platform to speak.
The situation started when Tidal promoted an episode of the podcast Drink Champs, which is hosted by N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. In the episode, the hosts were joined by Marc Lamont Hill, Talib Kweli, Mysonne, Bun B, and Russell Simmons. The group discussed the topic of Black Lives Matter.
Many on social media expressed their frustration and anger over Russell Simmons being allowed to appear on Jay-Z’s Tidal despite the numerous sexual assault accusations against him.
One of the women who accused Russell of assault was Sil Lai Abrams. She is one of the women featured in the HBOMax documentary On The Record, which focuses on Russell’s alleged victims
After Tidal promoted the episode, Sil took to Twitter writing, “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.”
She continued, “There is absolutely an underground movement by powerful Black men in music to help Russell avoid accountability and whitewash his legacy.”
Sil Lai 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.”
Sil Lai retweet, “A whole Black Lives Matter Conversation Skyping in accused serial rapist Russell Simmons in from Bali. Doesn’t @TIDAL crow about being a pro-Black platform? Why did anyone think this was okay after the last two weeks?”
Marc Lamont Hill, who appeared on the episode, said he had no idea Russell was going to appear or he would have not. He said, “During Russell’s 20ish minutes on the show, I was texting the producers telling them that I was not comfortable with his press and asking to wrap. After the show, I expressed my frustration with what happened. I also asked them not to air Russell’s portions.”
Sil Lai fired back at Marc, “Do you have any idea what survivors have sacrificed by speaking out, @marclamonthill ? Did you keep going with the interview bc you didn’t want to give up a check? Or were you intimidated by Russell Simmons? Why didn’t you ask him about the rape allegations during the interview?”
As The Blast previously reported, “The Breakfast Club” co-host Angela Yee recently defended Russell’s accusers after a controversial interview with the music mogul. Russell has denied all allegations of sexual assault.