As news of Russell Crowe and Azealia Banks altercation made the rounds online, many wondered if the allegations the Harlem emcee leveled against the Academy-Award winning actor were true. Producer, filmmaker and hip-hop veteran RZA–who has kept a healthy distance from the entire debacle–took to Facebook Thursday (Oct. 20) to post his account of the evening.
” I actually wanted her to win,” RZA wrote. “I advised her to stay focus, leave social media and tabloids alone and let your music and art do your talking.”
In the lengthy Facebook account, RZA said his only interaction with the “Big Beat” artist prior to the incident with Crowe was professional. He then went on to say he lent the 25-year-old money when she asked and also aided in her inking her record deal, which according to the Brooklyn native, was only “on the table” and not finalized.
“I called a friend and bong a record deal was on the table. The only clause my buddy gave was I be the filter because the word is “she is volatile”. I called her and told her a deal was in the workings. She immediately, prematurely went to social media and claimed she signed a deal with RZA, yet no deal was signed.”
Despite her rushed actions, the 47-year-old continued to lend a helping hand when he paid for Banks flight and hotel to LA. It was there that RZA states the fight between Banks and the Gladiator actor had nothing to do with race or gender and everything to do with Banks causing a scene, which first began as verbal assault and later escalated to something more.
“Before the night is over Azealia is insulting half the room she becomes loud and obnoxious. There was nothing funny about her behavior. I felt a little embarrassed because she was my guest. Still verbal abuse can be tolerated but when it goes physical…,”RZA continued. “Azealia threaten[ed] to cut a girl in the face with a glass, then actually grabs a glass and physically attacks for no logical reason. Russell blocked the attack and expelled her from the suite.”
In the wake of the backlash, Banks has demanded Crowe issue a public apology. Yet, according to RZA’s post, it’s Banks who needs to do the apologizing.
“I have a wife, daughters, sisters and females on my staff so I protect women everyday. I pray none of them ever behave the way I witnessed Azealia Banks behaved that night. “
Read RZA’s full account below.