Solo, a French rapper and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion, has publicly accused Hip-Hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa of sexually abusing him when he was 16 years old.
Solo, 58, a founding member of the influential French rap group Assassin, opened up about the alleged abuse during an interview with French outlet CliqueTV, which was translated and published by BJJ Eastern Europe on November 28.
In the interview, Solo described the shock of being confronted by a predator, especially someone he had once admired. "Being confronted by a predator, especially someone you admire, is very difficult," he said. "Realizing they have flaws that lead to inappropriate behavior is a shock."
Solo claimed that he first witnessed Bambaataa, 67, assault another young boy before becoming a victim himself. He recounted an incident in which Bambaataa allegedly assaulted him while they were watching an adult film. "When I found myself in front of the penis, I was so shocked that I didn’t move," Solo explained.
It took Solo decades to process the trauma and to recognize himself as a victim. "I needed personal development and support to even recognize that I was a victim," he said. "That was the hardest part."
Solo added that he had not spoken about the abuse for over 40 years and that many others might relate to his experience. Afrika Bambaataa, born Lance Taylor, has faced similar allegations from multiple men, but he has denied the claims since 2016.
"J'ai mis 40 ans à reconnaître que j'étais victime"
— CLIQUE (@cliquetv) November 27, 2024
Solo, co-fondateur du groupe Assassin, raconte avoir été agressé s*xuellement par Afrika Bambaataa quand il était mineur. pic.twitter.com/nd7JKglGfo
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