Zulu Nation is taking responsibility for the sexual assault allegations brought against the organization’s founder, Afrika Bambaattaa. The leaders issued an apology to the four,alleged victims of Bamabaattaa Tuesday. (May 31)
“We extend our deepest and most sincere apologies to the many people who have been hurt by the actions of Afrika Bambaataa and the subsequent poor response of our organization to allegations leveled against him,” the statement, which was signed by nearly three dozen Zulu Nation members, reads. “To the survivors of apparent sexual molestation by Bambaataa, both those who have come forward and others who have not, we are sorry for what you endured and extend our thanks to those who have spoken out for your bravery in bringing to light that which most of us were sadly unaware of, and others chose not to disclose.”
In addition to the organization’s condolences, it promised to further educate its members about sexual abuse, and how to seek justice for the alleged victims.
Allegations of Bambaattaa’s sexual abuse began in April 2016, when Ronald Savage claimed the hip hop pioneer sexually abused him as a teen, according to an interview with the New York Daily News. Bambaataa denied the allegations, saying he never laid a hand on Savage. The Nation initially stood behind its founder, calling Savage “mentally challenged” and suggested that the “so-called objective reporters have been compromised and controlled by U.S. government intelligence.” That was until three others came forward, alleging that they were abused as well.
Bambaattaa was removed from the organization on June 1, after the new allegations came to light, according to Zulu King EL.
“We have to rid ourselves of any potentially dangerous members and leaders,” he said. “If there are other victims that may be out there, we just want them to come forward and know that we stand behind the victims. We wanted to take a stance and let the world know we’re not for bashing any victims.”
Continuing to write its wrongs, Zulu Nation will be participating in a march in Brooklyn June 5 to fight against sexual abuse. Savage, however is not moved by the Nation’s apology.
“It’s too little, too late,” he said, “[they] should have done this in the beginning.”