Russell Simmons: I’ve Done More For Black People Than André Leon Talley

Russell Simmons believes he’s done more for blacks in the realm of fashion and gay rights than former Vogue editor-in-chief André Leon Talley.

Simmons caused a bit of controversy last month when he released a video that showed Harriet Tubman making a sex tape. A number of people took issue with the spoof, Talley in particular. During an interview with The Grio, the former Vogue editor criticized Simmons for producing the clip.

“I don’t think Russell Simmons should be seated on anybody’s front row this week after having done that disgusting Harriet Tubman sex tape. He is a man of great achievement. He is a great philanthropist….why would he think it would be an honorable thing to do?” Talley explained.

He continued, “He said he thought it was funny. That is not funny it is outrageously disrespectful to the legacy and history of Harriet Tubman and to the struggle.”

It didn’t take very long for Russell Simmons to respond to Talley’s comments. The Def Jam co-founder apologized to Talley for producing the controversial Harriet Tubman sex tape. However, Simmons let it be known that he’s done more for black people in fashion and gay rights than the editor.

“Where were you on marriage equality at Gay Pride? Don’t ask don’t tell? Did you help change federal policy last week on mandatory minimum sentencing?” Simmons tweeted.

He added before signing off, “I earned my seat. Take off the fur coat and sit down.”

Simmons recently told AllHipHop News that he took down the Harriet Tubman sex tape after he learned through the NAACP that black women were very upset by the clip.

“When they explained to me this, and when other people that I really respect explained to me… it was my brain that made the decision to pull it. Not outrage,” he told the website.

Do you think Russell Simmons has done more for black people than André Leon Talley?

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