The Klansman vs. Malcolm X scandal wasn’t the only fiasco to emerge from “Virus” on Friday (Oct. 30). Adding to the chaos was the previously unannounced participation of FilmOn, the Beverly Hills-based media outlet behind last year's "Ether" that left a bad taste in the mouths of many in the battle rap community over issues with quality of content and accusations of non-payment.
The all-costume concept “Virus” card was initially presented independently by Dizaster but the day of the event, FilmOn began tweeting a link to a pay-per-view on their site. Before that, the emcees taking part in the event that BattleRap.com spoke to had no prior knowledge of FilmOn’s association.
Voicing their displeasure over Twitter, cameramen Avocado and Bagnall threatened to delete the event footage.
#FilmOnTV and Dizaster present Virus--The Halloween Battle Rap Extravaganza Live in Hollywood and via Pay-Per-View! https://t.co/4HuUFSQcdl
— FilmOn.com (@FilmOnTV) October 31, 2015
https://twitter.com/AvocadoIsGod/status/660382609327812608
I film because I want battle rap to reach cinematic standards.
— Bags (@BodyBagnall) October 31, 2015
I don't film to exploit people.
I feel embarrassed to have filmed that bullshit
— Bags (@BodyBagnall) October 31, 2015
If @MRDIZASTER and @AvocadoIsGod have the footage I beg you please do not give it to filmon. Please please please.
— Michael Herber (@mikeherber) October 31, 2015
FilmOn owner Alki David traded tweets with Dizaster and Organik (who, it should be noted, was not involved with this event) on Twitter:
@MRDIZASTER listen you were paid to perform. The video belongs to FilmIOn. We won't air it. Not even for free. You are shit again.
— SwissX Gold Carbon Token SXCT (@alkidavid) November 1, 2015
@AlkiDavid - I think more people are just confused on how @FilmOnTV got involved with Virus. Maybe you can tell us ??
— Organik - KOTD - #LLPS🕊️ (@OrganikHipHop) November 1, 2015
Lush One, who was previously employed by FilmOn, seemed to distance himself from the situation on Twitter.
What de Fuk mayen I jus a host n shit lol
— GTX Uno (@LushOne) October 31, 2015
Avocado and Bagnall detailed the situation further in an interview with Seanzo on the RMBVA podcast. They explained that they didn't know FilmOn was linked and that they didn't sign any contract regarding the footage. They say the videos haven't been deleted yet, and they're looking at release options before deciding what to do with it.
Listen to the full conversation here:
BattleRap.com reached out to FilmOn for comment but hasn't heard back.
What do you think should happen with the footage? Let us know in the comments below.
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