Here’s what the “CEO of Hip Hop” who actually attended the party where Beyonce performed and Tweeted this photo, had this to say on his blog GlobalGrind:
I am amazed at the hypocrisy of the international media’s attack on Beyonce for her performance at Nikki Beach in St. Barts over the holidays. While I personally do not have any business dealings with Libya, Muammar al-Qaddafi or his family, Libya is a state recognized by the current and previous US administrations and is now crawling with new investments from so called “blue-chip” US execs and corporations with the encouragement of our State Department. Why is the media not calling out the famous CEOs who were at the event and invested with the family and in the country instead of demonizing the evening’s entertainment? I in no way forget the events of 21 years ago, and also understand that recent events have opened up many old wounds. But I must point out that the rash of Islamphobic words and images directed at a singer are deeply hypocritical in light of US policy and corporate activity designed to bring Libya into the world community.
-Russell Simmons
A smart LIFER named blyx actually had a very interesting take on this story ran by the New York Post.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
fuck both of them
I’m gonna assume most people don’t get their news from blogs only…I mean… I hope they don’t. Uncle Russell makes a good point.. LOL @ zookeeper!!
When there’s sheeps in the distance, the wolves will immediately flock. It’s easy to point fingers at an entertainer because they’re more in the public light than most executives. If I showed the average consumer the current head of the NYSE, they wouldn’t have a clue as to who the face in the photo is but if I showed a quick slideshow image of Lady GaGa, Young Jeezy and Jay-Z, well, chances are, their names would be shouted in a few seconds.
The story becomes more news worthy when it has the spin of “Beyonce profits from family tied with funneling money to terrorists groups.” If they instead wrote, “Gerald D. Putnam has dinner with family in Libya tied to terrorists funding,” the average viewer would either skip the channel because they have no clue nor care who Putnam is…or they’ll continue listening to find out/or google the name. So to put it quite frankly, news stories are tales that need the proper spin to appeal to a specific group or groups. Never believe “everything” you hear from the media because it’s generally half truths or falsified info to begin with
Excellent point. She’s a scapegoat. However a wrong is a wrong. I’m not right wing American, but fraternizing with known terrorists, regardless of if you’re a corporate exec or a leotard clad performer is not okay. Let’s leave the acts of diplomacy to the real diplomats.
Instead of defending Beyonce, why didn’t Russell just point out other more important figures who were there and say they were perhaps all wrong for attending. Is he justifying everyone’s attendance based on the encouragement of the State Department?! hummmmm…….
PREACH!
I see you Uncle Russ!
I agree with Russel, and one has to remember that many of the reasons, some African states (usually old and mineral rich countries) have failed to develop a viable democracies is because of the interference of American agencies, but that’s another story… and I’ll admit that that’s not the only reason for the failure of such states. Another thing that I’m sure many people have observed is that Beyonce is for sale. Literally – if the price is right…
to zookeeper fuck you stupid bitch i agree with russell all the way beyonce we love you babygirl
First off, let me say that I understand what Russell is saying, but in the process od him saying this he is Inadvertently making Beyonce less responsible for her OWN actions. I beleive that all public figures have a responsibility to to civic engagement and upholding patriotic principles regardless of what elected officials and government are doing… She is responsible for her actions and most importantly, she has $$$$ to have someone in her camp to make sure that she is abiding by her philosphical and moral principles… Beyonce often says how much she supports equality and women’s right, yet she support a group of people who clearly don”t. People really need to stop trying to protect Miss Beyonce and let her speak up for her actions… Oh, I forgot, she inarticulte…. Seriously, she needs to educate herself on global issues so that she doesn’t find herself in this situation again. PLEASE LET HER TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OR AT LEAST DEFEND HERSELF TO THE PUBLIC THE SUPPORT HER. AFTER ALL WE ARE HER CONSTITUENTS…..