Joe Budden has issued a public apology to DJ Olivia Dope after she says he sexually harassed her.
Dope took to the streets of social media on Monday and revealed she abruptly exited the “See, The Thing Is…” podcast after Joe “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.”
[Olivia Dope Accuses Joe Budden of Sexual Harassment (Video)]
In a statement released to Rolling Stone, Joe Budden apologized and said he and his Joe Budden Network “fell short” when it comes to making sure “all women’s rights to feel comfortable and protected in the workplace.”
Read the full statement below.
As a podcaster, it is my job to address topics and create dialogue around them. 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.
I apologize sincerely to Olivia, her former co-hosts, our staff, and the public. In an effort to not further any trauma, the episode will be removed from all platforms. We support all women’s rights to feel comfortable and protected in the workplace.
We fell short of that in this instance. We support Olivia in her quest to heal, applaud her for finding the strength to share her experience, and wish her the best in all her future endeavors. I am taking the time to listen and learn; we have already begun to make the necessary changes to ensure this is a safe environment for all moving forward.
We at the network endeavor to continue to elevate Black women’s voices and create opportunities to have constructive conversations to impact change.
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Source: Rolling Stone
