Now About Those Controversial Geraldo Remarks, Rivera Explains Anti-Hip-Hop Backlash

Television personality Geraldo Rivera has stepped forward to speak out on the backlash he received after recently taking a swift jab at hip-hop saying it contributed to more harm than racism.

Speaking to fellow TV personality Tavis Smiley, Rivera clarified his initial comments.

“When the culture of guns and violence and drugs becomes an ideal that you need to wallow to have credibility to be successful and the only people that would be successful are the one tenth of one tenth of one percent, I was right about that, then I don’t – although I understand the wonderful, informational and entertainment value of hip-hop, a lot of people have been happy about a lot of lyrics and a lot of performers, there is this aspect of it that I think is very, use the words I used there, and I’m sorry I picked this fight. I needed this fight like I needed a hole in the head. I had so much going on, I’m telling you.” (“The Tavis Smiley Show”)

Check out Geraldo Rivera admitting he was wrong for one big thing he said in the interview on the next page…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIkB_ihBNQw

Last week, Rivera said the music genre had been very destructive over the past decade.

“Hip-hop has done more damage to black and brown people than racism in the last 10 years. When you find the youngster, a Puerto Rican from the South Bronx or a black kid from Harlem, who has succeeded in life other than being the one-tenth of one-tenth of one percent that make it in the music business, that’s been a success in life walking around with his pants around his a** or with visible tattoos.” (“Huffington Post Live”)

Rivera also took aim at Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons.

“This whole ethos, and I love Russell Simmons – he’s a dear friend of mine, I admire his business acumen – at some point though, those guys need to cop to the fact that by encouraging this distinctive culture that is removed from the mainstream they have encouraged people to be so different from the mainstream that they can’t participate other than the racks in the garment center and those entry level jobs. I lament it; I really do. I think it’s been very destructive culturally.” (“Huffington Post Live”)

According to reports, Geraldo clashed with Russell a few years ago.

Rivera and Simmons briefly beefed in 2012 after Rivera told Fox News that Trayvon Martin made himself a target by wearing a hooded sweatshirt, adding that his clothing made him look “gangsta.” After the talk show host apologized for his distasteful statements, Simmons responded, “Geraldo, your apology is bullshit! Your apology is nothing but a defense of a racist, backward thing you already said.” (Rolling Stone)