STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

RZA Gives His Side of the Azealia Banks Incident, Says She Was 'Obnoxious' and 'Erratic'

"I actually wanted her to win."

Azealia Banks recently has been all over the headlines for an incident involving Russell Crowe. The rapper tagged along as the RZA's plus-one for the private party, and during which she claimed she was called the n-word by the actor as he choked her.

Following this allegation, Crowe came forward to share his side of the story and today (October 20) the RZA himself is finally addressing the matter. RZA and Banks have been reportedly working together under a deal that the RZA is saying never fully went through, even though that didn't stop Banks from prematurely announcing it.

"Peace. Normally I don't respond to negative social media attacks towards me," the Wu-Tang founding member began his Facebook post addressing the situation with Banks. "Yet in this case of Azealia Banks, I'm compelled to respond."

Before explaining what went down at the gathering in Crowe's hotel room, the RZA explained that he only wishes the best for her and any other struggling artist. He said that he was warned of her problems in the industry, but decided to approach her with an open mind, which led to her being cast in his upcoming film, Coco. He details that prior to this recent situation, he had no real experience of her behavior in social settings, and that his experience with her had only been professional.

"A few weeks ago Azealia hit me up for some economic help and ... I gave a helping hand," he continues. "She then followed up asking me to help her get a record deal. I called a friend and ... a record deal was on the table. The only clause my buddy gave was I be the filter because the word is 'she is volatile.'"

Following this, RZA explains he told her a deal was in the works and she went to social media claiming she signed a deal with him, but he hadn't spoke up about it at the time, saying he's not the type to "stop the hustle," and that he "actually wanted her to win." He also advised her to leave social media and the tabloids alone, because as we all know, she consistently does the opposite and it is proving to be harmful for the future of her career.

"Before the night is over Azealia is insulting half the room she becomes loud and obnoxious," RZA recalls of his experience hanging out with her. "There was nothing funny about her behavior. I felt a little embarrassed because she was my guest. Still verbal abuse can be tolerated but when it goes physical... Azealia threaten to cut a girl in the face with a glass, then actually grabs a glass and physically attacks for no logical reason. Russell blocked the attack and expelled her from the suite."

He then explains that he made sure that she got home safe but was very puzzled by her erratic behavior. He then adds that he never heard Crowe call her the n-word, thus adding proof that she had lied when making that claim.

"I have a wife, daughters, sisters and females on my staff so I protect women every day," he concluded. "I pray none of them ever behave the way I witnessed Azealia Banks behave that night."

Sounds like when it comes to her working with the RZA, Banks put the nail in her own coffin.

See RZA's post in full detail below. 

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.