Russell Simmons is now apologizing for releasing a video titled "Harriet Tubman Sex Tape" on his All Def Digital YouTube channel. The video has since been removed after Simmons came under fire and was contacted by the NAACP to remove the video.
The "Harriet Tubman Sex Tape" portrays the well-known abolitionist having sex with her owner or "Massa" in exchange for him allowing her to run the Underground Railroad. DeStorm Power, Shanna Malcolm and Jason Horton are the featured actors. "All these years I've been acting like I didn't enjoy our special time together," the actress portraying Tubman says in the clip.
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Not long after the video's release, it faced criticism for its depiction of the abolitionists. Harriet Tubman was an African-American abolitionist who was born into slavery. She escaped and made nearly 20 missions to rescue over 300 slaves via a network of antislavery activists that set up safe houses that was called the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman also later served as a Union spy during the American Civil War.
Russell Simons issued an apology statement. "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," he wrote.
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"I'm a very liberal person with thick skin," wrote Simmons. "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."
Russell Simmons pointed out that in the history of Def Comedy Jam he's never taken down a controversial comedian. However, he felt this video did need to be taken down after the NAACP called him.
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Russell Simmons is the co-founder of Jam Records and the older brother to Rev Run Of Run-D.M.C. He helped make acts like LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys into household names. He launched All Def Music earlier this year. Simmons also formed the Hip Hop Summit Action Network as well as the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.
Watch the controversial "Harriet Tubman Sex Tape" below. WARNING: It is graphic.
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