Joe Budden Responds To Olivia Dope’s Sexual Harassment Claims
While The Joe Budden Podcast drama continues to unfold, Joe Budden had another controversy thrown his way when his former employee, DJ Olivia Dope, accused him of sexual harassment that she says occurred during an episode of See, The Thing Is.
One of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to express in my life. The healing begins now.
— Olivia Dope (@oliviadope) May 17, 2021
Joe Budden responded to the claims in a statement provided to Rolling Stone on Tuesday (May 18). The former Slaughterhouse MC apologized for his actions and recognized how he could have created an uncomfortable environment during his guest appearance.
“As a podcaster, it is my job to address topics and create dialogue around them,” he began. “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.
Budden continued, “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.”
Olivia Dope accused Joe Budden of making repeated sexually suggestive remarks and advancements throughout the podcast, which was recorded on January 18. A clip has since surfaced online of Budden giving Olivia a hug at the end of the episode and shaking his hips. The episode has since been made private on YouTube.
Dope captioned her 26-minute video detailing the accusations, “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 to let others know this probably wouldn’t be the best situation for you to enter into, working with this person.”
Watch it in full below.
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