Noted heterosexuals Russell Simmons and André Leon Talley have dusted off their reading glasses and are going to Shadytown, USA — population: fierce.
It all started when ALT told The Grio that the godfather of hip hop needs to get the hell out of the front row at New York Fashion Week:
“I don’t think Russell Simmons should be seated on anybody’s front row this week after having done that disgusting Harriet Tubman sex tape,” André said. “He is a man of great achievement. He is a great philanthropist — why would he think it would be an honorable thing to do? He said he thought it was funny. That is not funny, it is outrageously disrespectful to the legacy and history of Harriet Tubman and to the struggle.”
ALT was referring to a controversial clip Simmons debuted on his YouTube All Def Digital channel, which sparked a petition demanding an apology and the video’s removal. Simmons apologized for the Harriet Tubman sex tape, but that apparently wasn’t enough for the caped couture crusader so Uncle Rush took to the Twitter for some good ole fashioned social media shade:
Im really sincerely sorry @andreleontally. Fyi ive done more for blacks in fashion and gay rights then you, can i get a break/ seat ?
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) September 13, 2013
Where were u on marriage equality @ gay pride, dont ask dont tell? Did u help change fed policy LAST WEEK on mandatory minimum sentencing
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) September 13, 2013
I earned my seat take off the fur coat amd sit down
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) September 13, 2013
Oh yes she did. Simmons kind of has a point, having been a staunch supporter of the LGBT community for years and starting urban fashion lines Phat Farm, Baby Phat and Argyleculture. While not as illustrious or lavish as ALT’s, Russell Simmons has his fair share of fashion cred and has used his position to help both the LGBT and African-American community. ALT may not be able to say all that but he can say this: 
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
He may not be a vocal gay rights supporter, but I and many other queens have learned a thing or two from Mother André.
h/t: HuffPo
QJ201
When you want to know why the hell some ridiculata passes as “fashion” — that’s what you get when you listen to an obese closet case wearing a caftan.
Shadeaux
Read her for filth! Andre didn’t want it! LOL
TheMarc
@QJ201: LMAO!!
TheMarc
So Russell Simmons makes a bad joke and all of a sudden he is deserving of pariah status? Ridiculous. It wasn’t all that incredibly offensive, he just offended a very sensitive demographic. Russell Simmons has more than a point. His dedication to both the black community (of which he is a member) and the gay community (of which he is not a member) has been mostly unwavering and he has been an advocate for positive change in both. Can someone remind me of ALT’s social contributions? Because I don’t recall any of note. You stand up for the LGBT community as a fashion icon, you’re not really taking a big risk…at all. In fact, you’re likely to gain both professional and social points for doing so. Standing up for LGBT rights in the hip hop arena is a definite risk. Point is, where has ALT been while Russell Simmons has been campaigning and supporting pro-equality issues? Perhaps he should stick to just fashion and leave the social commentary for those that are socially involved.
Nyruinz
@TheMarc:
Yaaaaaaas! “The Marc” go in! I agree with everything you said. Wasn’t ALT claiming straight a couple of weeks ago?
Rockery
@QJ201:
Closet Case?? How?