Al Sharpton's Team Responds To David Banner's Comments

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Mississippi based rapper and activist David Banner recently shared his thoughts on Reverend Al Sharpton, whom he referred to as "a permed out pimp." Banner, whose real name is Levell Crump, said, "The next time you see Al Sharpton, tell him I said f*** him and he can suck my d***. I might change the name of my album from The Greatest Story Never Told to F*** Al Sharpton. I hate Al Sharpton. This is the kind of s*** that I'm talking about. They're killing kids in New Jersey and all across the country and all a n**** got to talk about is rap lyrics? F*** that about they're our elders and we gotta respect them. I'm tired of this. They're like the parents, but the parents are crucifying the kids."

Kirsten John-Foy, a member of Sharpton's National Action Network and head its Criminal Justice Initiative, responded to Banner's comments. Foy said, "From time to time we do encounter people that have sexual fantasies about Reverend Al Sharpton, but they are always women and Crump's proposition is a first."

Foy added, "However, in keeping with the National Action Network's Decency Initiative, I am sure Rev. Sharpton would not call Crump the "N" "B" or "H" word. And, despite Crump's personal request, I am sure Reverend Sharpton would not call him an f*****. He would just pray for him. We at NAN are pro civil rights for everyone, even Levell Crump who has not had a banner year since his debut album in 2003."

In related news, Banner will release his new album, The Greatest Story Never Told, in October.