Russell Simmons Doubles Down On Bill Gates, Blasts Vegan “Smear Campaign” & Social Media Misinformation

Mogul Russell Simmons has something to say.

In the past few days, there has been a lot of discourse around a public statement the Def Jam founder made about all the positive, philanthropic and global efforts Bill Gates has made. In his online video, Simmons basically said that Bill Gates has helped more Black people and people of color than any other person. And the Internet went wild. Many balked at the assertion that the Microsoft founder has been a force for positive change. Many said it was the opposite — a vessel for things like de-population. And with his latest effort, man-made meat, lab-grown meat, the chatter has gotten even louder.

Well, Russell Simmons is not backing down. In fact, he is doubling down on his stance. In a lengthy statement, issued exclusively to AllHipHop, he responds to the vitriol, insults and critique aimed at Bill Gates and even Elon Musk.

READ ALSO: Russell Simmons Fiercely Defends Bill Gates

“Around the time Elon Musk bought Twitter, he said something I found almost diabolical in its implications: ‘You will never know the truth.’ Think about that. At the same time one of the richest men in the world was taking control of one of the world’s most powerful information platforms, he was reminding us how difficult it had become to distinguish truth from manipulation. Social media has become a primary source of information for millions of people, and with it has come an endless stream of memes, half-truths and outright misinformation that can destroy movements and sometimes protect powerful economic interests.

“Look at the plant-based revolution. Beyond Meat created an alternative to animal meat built largely around plant proteins and oils. Yet somehow millions of people were convinced that plant-based meat was junk food — the victim of a smear campaign designed to kill the vegan revolution by turning a healthy alternative into a Snickers bar. Whether you like the product or not, that caricature helped derail an important conversation about food, health, animals and the planet.

“I see something similar happening with Bill Gates. You can dislike Bill Gates. You can criticize him. You can investigate every aspect of his life. But you cannot erase the billions of dollars committed through his philanthropy to malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, vaccines, maternal and child health, and other programs that have saved lives — many of them Black lives in Africa. That is what I was talking about.

“I knew my statement would create anger. I knew it would create debate. Debate me. But do your research. Malcolm X warned that the media could make you hate the people being oppressed and love the people doing the oppressing. That warning feels more relevant than ever. And when governments withdraw resources from vulnerable African communities, philanthropy becomes even more important. We need Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to keep giving, and we need more billionaires to follow them. If recognition, legacy or even ego encourages somebody with billions of dollars to save human lives, give them the recognition. Don’t discourage philanthropy. Demand more of it.”

This statement has been lightly edited for clarity and grammar.

Thoughts on what Simmons has to say on this matter?