Former Alaskan governor and would-be US vice president Sarah Palin has claimed she intends to sue the hip hop rapper Azealia Banks over comments made by the musician. Palin said in a statement that she would go to court with Banks “on behalf of all reasonable women of every age, race and political leaning,” after Banks tweeted a number of messages calling for Palin to be sexually assaulted by a gang of African-American men.
The singer, known for her controversial statements, posted a series of tweets about the former politician, saying Palin should have her head forcibly shaved, then be made to perform a number of sex acts on black men, with the footage filmed and uploaded to a popular hip hop website.
The tweets have since been deleted from Banks’ account, although screenshots were captured by the Media Research Center.
In a statement to People magazine, Palin explained why she was considering filing a lawsuit against Banks.
“I’ve had enough of the unanswered threats and attacks against my family and me,” Palin wrote. “So, for the first time I’m going to enjoy the only retribution some ‘protected’ celebrities seem to understand – I’m suing Azealia Banks and can’t wait to share my winnings with others who have done defenceless against lies and dangerous attacks far too long.”
The former politician also asked Banks to consider working together on “something worthwhile – like condemning racism, along with empowering young women to defend themselves against a most misogynist, degrading, devastating assault penetrated by evil men – rape.”
In the fallout of her tweets, Banks yesterday appeared to apologise to Palin in her own statement on the musician’s Tumblr account, saying that she has always admired Palin’s “je ne sais quoi.”
Added Banks: “I sincerely apologize for any emotional distress or reputational scarring I may have caused you. In my honest defense, I was completely kidding. I happen to have a really crass, New-York-City sense of humor, and regularly make silly jokes in attempts make light of situations which make me uncomfortable.”
Despite the apology, Palin remained resolute that she was strongly considering taking legal action against the Slay-Z rapper. “On your behalf, I think this time I don’t just sit back and swallow it, but put the fear of God in her by holding her accountable. [...] I’m finally going to sue.”
