Since news of Joe Budden’s podcast beef has hit the internet, many fans have been left concerned about the rapper’s professional relationship with former co-hosts Rory and Mal. DJ Olivia Dope, a Black woman, also worked with Budden on his podcast network as recently as January. In a recent online video, she revealed the real reason she abruptly left was due to Budden’s sexual harassment on her Black female-led podcast.
Also hosted by Mandii B and Bridget Kelly, “See The Thing Is…” was originally meant to address issues affecting Black women and topics related to music and pop culture events. But Dope claims that Budden sat in and made some offhand sexual comments in front of the ladies during an episode of the podcast.
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In an Instagram video uploaded by Dope this past Monday, the podcast host and DJ prefaced her claims with the caption, “Why I quit the Joe Budden Network,” Speaking in the video, Dope stated that she wants to help other women who’ve suffered “sexual harassment in the workplace” by sharing her own story.
“On January 18, 2021, Joe Budden sat in on a recording of the female-led podcast I was a part of and continuously made sexual suggestive remarks to me that made me extremely uncomfortable as well as fearful of dampening the mood if I didn’t laugh along while he made those sexual remarks to me,” she continued.
“Those moments not only live on the internet forever, but it also forced me in the decision of quitting the podcast. I’m now in a place where…it was traumatizing, embarrassing and I’ve decided that I have to actually speak up because not only was it important for me to walk away from it, it also is important for me to speak up,”
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Budden has since acknowledged Dope’s claims and apologized for his behavior. According to Variety, he said in a statement, “During the conversation on the ‘See, the Thing Is’ podcast, I didn’t handle the topics with the sensitivity they deserved. I recognize my words and power in that situation created an upsetting environment for Olivia. Upon reflection, both the network and I take accountability for this.”
What are your thoughts on Budden’s latest scandal? Should the “Pump It Up” rapper step out of the limelight for a while and take a break?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
