Joe Budden Addresses Harassment Allegations From Olivia Dope

Following the termination of Rory and Mal from The Joe Budden Podcast (and the now-former co-hosts’ response just a few days after), Joe Budden has continued to be in the news, as a former podcast host from the Joe Budden Network has accused Budden of sexual harassment.

Oliva Dope, formerly of the See The Thing Is.. podcast, took to Instagram a recount of the incidents with Budden that pushed her to leave the See The Thing Is.. podcast. The DJ stated that Budden made lude comments and sexually suggested remarks that made her feel extremely uncomfortable. Specifically on Episode 16 of the podcast, Dope explains an encounter with Budden, who was a guest on the show, where they gave each other an “on-air” hug, and Budden began to move his hips while hugging her. Throughout the episode, Budden made comments that he and Dope should sleep together.

Since the episode, Dope decided to leave the show altogether and battled with bringing this to light.

“I am here today, still uncomfortable, but I find the bravery to speak out on a very embarrassing situation,” said Dope. “On Jan. 18, 2021, Joe Budden sat in on a recording of the female-led podcast I was a part of and continuously made sexual, suggestive remarks to me that made me extremely uncomfortable as well as fearful of dampening the mood if I didn’t laugh along while he made those sexual remarks to me. Those moments not only live on the internet forever, it also forced me into the decision of quitting the podcast.”

“Once I decided to quit, I informed my lawyer,” she concluded. “My lawyer got on the phone with his lawyer and informed that these are the reasons my client is leaving this network. I then informed my cast mates via text that I am not built for the Joe Budden network. No one responded in that moment and I was removed from the group chat. But I did speak to both of them a week after. Also, after my departure, Joe then went on his podcast and made this statement: ‘If I hire any women, I’m going to want to fuck them bitches.’””

Budden has since issued an apology:

“As a podcaster, it is my job to address topics and create dialogue around them. During the conversation on the See, The Thing Is podcast I didn’t handle the topics with the sensitivity they deserved. I recognize my words and power in that situation created an upsetting environment for Olivia. Upon reflection, both the network and I take accountability for this.

I apologize sincerely to Olivia, her former co-hosts, our staff, and the public. In an effort to not further any trauma, the episode will be removed from all platforms. We support all women’s rights to feel comfortable and protected in the workplace. We fell short of that in this instance. We support Olivia in her quest to heal, applaud her for finding the strength to share her experience, and wish her the best in all her future endeavors. I am taking the time to listen and learn; we have already begun to make the necessary changes to ensure this is a safe environment for all moving forward. We at the network endeavor to continue to elevate Black women’s voices and create opportunities to have constructive conversations to impact change.”