A day after Olivia Dope revealed that she walked away from her podcast on The Joe Budden Network after the star sexually harassed her — Budden issued her a long-overdue apology.
In a statement issued Budden responded: “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,” he said per Rolling Stone.
He continued: “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.”
Olivia Dope released a video on Monday detailing her experiences with Budden providing a detailed walk-through including timestamps. Towards the end of the episode, Budden is seen moving his hips against her as she tries to hug him goodbye.
“No one should ever feel comfortable enough to speak the way that person spoke to me. Ever. No one should ever feel comfortable enough to make a workplace environment completely hostile and toxic the way that eprson did. No one should ever feel like they can be sexually explicit and suggestive, not only to you, while you’re coming in just trying to work, but also in front of the entire production staff to belittle you,” she said.
