Source: Johnny Nunez/Getty
Funkmaster Flex was hit with an FCC complaint after making remarks about it Afrika Bambaataa's legal problems on his show.
Funkmaster Flex and His New York-based radio station Hot 97 received a complaint in response to comments the veteran DJ made on his show about Afrika Bambaataa. The complaint was filed by Hip-Hop Stands With Survivors, an advocacy group that took issue with Funkmaster Flex's comments about Bambaataa, who made a rare public appearance on the former's Aug. 17 show. The Hip-Hop pioneer has kept a low profile since being publicly accused of child molestation by former Zulu Nation members Roland Savage and Hassan Campbell, among others, in 2016.
During the August 17th show, Bambaataa aka Lance Taylor played a DJ set. Flex would then comment on Savage's apparent recantation of his testimony against Bambaataa, saying, “There seems to be a discrepancy that has been cleared up with Afrika Bambaataa and the young Bee Stinger. It seems that the word pedophile was used, Bee Stinger is now saying that Afrika Bambaataa is not a pedophile.” The Hot 97 personality continued: “I don't care if Afrika Bambaataa prefers men or women or both. I don't care. Yes, we care if the word pedophile is used but apparently according to… AllHipHop who spoke to Bee Stinger, says it is not so.'
“The station was reckless in allowing this man on there as a guest when he has an open case of the most horrific nature,” Hip-Hop Stands With Survivors co-founder Leila Wills said of the complaint. “Bambaataa allegedly sold a 12-year-old for money to grown men to exploit. He hasn't stood up for himself, so Flex and Hot 97 can't protect him.” The band is demanding an apology from the DJ and the station in addition to “a substantial fine for misinformation.” While the recently released photo of Savage and Bambaataa suggests the two have settled their differences, an accuser known only as John Doe is currently awaiting a default judgment in a civil case from 2021 accusing him of sex trafficking. Afrika Bambaataa denies all the accusations leveled against him. Funkmaster Flex and Hot 97 have not responded to requests for comment on the complaint.
