Russell Simmons has some friendly advice for his old buddy Donald Trump: “Stop the bullshit.”
Hip-hop mogul Simmons offered his thoughts in an open letter to his pal Trump on his Global Grind website, after the GOP presidential candidate called for a ban on Muslim immigrants. Trump’s inflammatory statement came after the deadly shooting rampage in San Bernardino, California, which is being investigated by the FBI as an act of terrorism.
“Over 30 plus years you have been an amazing friend; endorsing my books, coming to my shows, flying me on your planes, your helicopters, and even allowing my family members and myself to stay in your house in Florida many times,” Simmons’ letter began. “So, it kinda pains me to know that my public statements about your candidacy have strained or ruined our friendship. However, the fact is, what’s at stake is bigger than us.”
Simmons, the chairman of anti-bigotry organization The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, went on to say that he “cannot disagree” with comparisons between Trump’s rhetoric and that of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, adding that Trump is coming off as a “one-man wrecking ball” destroying America’s freedoms.
“My friends, both Muslims and Jews, are saying there are so many comparisons between your rap and Hitler’s, and I cannot disagree with them, Donald. You can’t possibly want your kids or your wife Melania (all of whom I know and respect) to live with that,” Simmons wrote.
“You are a born leader, who is set to possibly win the nomination of your party, but don’t compromise what I know is in your heart to do it. You are a generous, kind man who has built a career on negotiating deals where everybody wins. Now, you seem like a one-man wrecking ball willing to destroy our nation’s foundation of freedom.”
Simmons also called Trump a “major embarrassment” to both sides of the political aisle.
“Stop the bullshit. Stop fueling fires of hate. Don’t feed into the rhetoric created by small-minded people. You’re smarter and certainly more loving then you let on. The Republicans in power don’t like you any more than the Democrats in power, as they know you can’t be controlled, because you are your own man,” wrote Simmons.
“You have been many people’s champ in the past, but now you are becoming a major embarrassment. I know the cheap seats are easy to play to, but you can get them just by being the man I have known for nearly 30 years.”
Trump has come under bipartisan fire since calling for the ban, with his fellow GOP presidential candidate Jeb Bush calling him “unhinged” and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton calling Trump’s proposed ban “reprehensible, prejudiced and divided.”