TIDAL, Revolt TV Pull Russell Simmons Drink Champs Interview Following Backlash

Both Revolt TV & Tidal are facing major scrutiny after fans caught wind of Russell Simmons discussing the importance of Black Lives Matter in an episode of Drink Champs.

Co-hosts, N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, featured multiple guests discussing the topic of BLM movement. But this particular episode featured Rush, who faces multiple allegations of sexual assault. Following the episode, TIDAL promoted Simmon’s interview on social media in a partnership deal with Drink Champs.

This fueled journalist Sil Lai Abrams to call out the two brands while also speaking her mind:

There is *absolutely* an underground movement by powerful Black men in music to help Russell avoid accountability and whitewash his legacy.

— Sil Lai “Scrappy” Abrams (@Sil_Lai) June 23, 2020

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.

— Sil Lai “Scrappy” Abrams (@Sil_Lai) June 23, 2020

This redemption campaign of Russell Simmons enabled by other media moguls like Jay Z, 50 Cent, and Puffy must be called out.

Anyone who aids Russell in his quest to avoid being held accountable for his actions against Black women is complicit & should ALSO be held accountable.

— 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 #BlackLivesMatter,” Abrams wrote, responding to a since-deleted tweet from TIDAL promoting the episode and tagging Simmons.

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Abrams along with two other women outlined the allegations against Simmons in the recently released HBO Max documentary On the Record.

Following the outpouring of feedback on social media, the Simmons-featured episode was ultimately removed from TIDAL.

The episode with Simmons included Talib Kweli, Bun B, Mysonne, and Marc Lamont Hill. Hill claims that he wasn’t told in advance who was scheduled to be on the show and said had he been warned earlier he wouldn’t have appeared. “During Russell’s 20ish minutes on the show, I was texting the producers telling them I was not comfortable with his press and asking to wrap up,” Hill wrote. “After the show, I expressed my frustration with what happened. I also asked them not to air Russell’s portions.”

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

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.

— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) June 23, 2020

I stand with, and fully believe, the women who have come forward about Russell’s sexual violence. I am sorry that I shared space with someone who has caused such harm without accountability. Although I had NO IDEA he’d be on, I am nonetheless deeply sorry that I was a part of it.

— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) June 23, 2020

In a response to Hill, N.O.R.E. tweeted in response to Hill’s comments saying: “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 !!!”

Abrams then retweeted the comment, replying back with a clown and trashcan emoji.

?? https://t.co/8Ha0gXVnRu

— Sil Lai “Scrappy” Abrams (@Sil_Lai) June 23, 2020