Hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa, known for his influential tracks such as “Feel The Vibe,” “Looking For The Perfect Beat,” and “Just Get Up and Dance,” has recently made headlines for reasons far removed from his musical legacy. The former Zulu Nation member has faced serious legal repercussions after failing to respond to allegations of child sexual abuse.
According to a report from Pitchfork, a lawsuit was filed against Bambaataa in 2021 by an anonymous plaintiff who claims to have been sexually abused and trafficked by the legendary DJ from 1991 to 1995. At the time of the alleged abuse, the victim was just 12 years old, while Bambaataa would have been either 34 or 35. Due to Bambaataa’s lack of response to the complaint, the court has issued a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff.
This is not the first time the former DJ has faced such grave allegations. In 2016, another former member of the Universal Zulu Nation accused Bambaataa of sexual assault, claims that he vehemently denied, labeling them as “baseless and cowardly.” In a statement to Rolling Stone at the time, Bambaataa asserted, “I, Afrika Bambaataa, want to take this opportunity at the advice of my legal counsel to personally deny any and all allegations of any type of sexual molestation of anyone… These allegations are baseless and are a cowardly attempt to tarnish my reputation and legacy in hip-hop.”
The recent judgment serves as a significant development in a troubling narrative surrounding the iconic figure, marking a stark contrast to his celebrated status in hip-hop history. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for Bambaataa’s legacy and the broader hip-hop community remain to be seen, as artists and fans grapple with the complexities of fame, accountability, and the impact of such serious accusations.
