Russell Simmons Wants to Save All-American Muslim, Urges Lowe’s CEO to Step Down

After controversy this week from both sides of the aisle surrounding the new TLC show All-American Muslim, hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons said on Twitter that he is doing his part to ensure the show is populated with advertisers and has a chance to air.

Opponents of the show feared prime-time exposure to the new reality TV project could somehow lead to a complacent acceptance of “Sharia law” among the American people. Opponents of that opposition said the effort to keep the show from having advertisers was intolerant, and that people should boycott Lowe’s for withdrawing advertiser dollars under conservative pressure. Conservative evangelical group the Florida Family Association spearheaded the effort, leading to Lowe’s controversial decision on December 5th to advertise during All-American Muslim. In a statement provided to entertainment site The Wrap, Lowe’s said:

“The TLC program ‘All-American Muslim’ has become a lightning rod for people to voice complaints from a variety of perspectives – political, social and otherwise. Following this development, dozens of companies removed their advertising from the program beginning in late November.  Lowe’s made the decision to discontinue our advertising on Dec. 5… We have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and we’re proud of that longstanding commitment. If we have made anyone question that commitment, we apologize.”

Well, Lowe’s, it doesn’t seem that removing dollars from a show because people may not like Muslims is a very good commitment to diversity. Simmons- a buddhist- seems to agree. Currently heavily promoting a new branded Visa, the hip-hop producer said on Twitter:

I’m trying to buy ads during #AllAmericanMuslim airing this Sunday, but now they are saying they are sold out. I will keep trying…

We got over 16,000 signatures for petition against @Lowes – we will not stop until they apologize and put $ back in #AllAmericanMuslim show… I am putting my money where my mouth is…

Dear @Lowes, we got over 21k signatures standing up against ur poor decision. Do right thing: apologize & put $ back in #AllAmericanMuslim

The Chairman of the World Jewish Congress has joined the campaign against @Lowes! http://bit.ly/tzwBlR. – #AllAmericanMuslim

Most recently, Simmons called for the CEO of Lowe’s to step down as the controversy continues. Do you agree with Russell Simmons, or do you side with the FFA and Lowe’s?