EbonyLife TV has released a statement concerning the allegations of sexual assault made against “Men Corner” host Andre Blaze. The TV host was accused by acclaimed writer and speaker – Timehin Adegbeye who shared in a series of tweets that Blaze assaulted her two years ago.
ICYMI: Andre Blaze Henshaw sexually assaulted me two years ago. The BBC (unwittingly) interviewed both of us for a recent program about (toxic/evolving) masculinity and its impacts. I informed the BBC about the assault and asked them to delete/edit that program. They refused.
— OluTimehin Adegbeye (@OhTimehin) May 5, 2018
The BBC has assured me that they are very sorry about the distress they unwittingly caused, and also that they will not be doing anything to mitigate it. Andre Blaze Henshaw, as far as I know, continues to deny that he assaulted me despite there being witnesses of the assault.
— OluTimehin Adegbeye (@OhTimehin) May 5, 2018
It is hypocritical and callous to expect survivors of sexual violence to navigate their trauma AND do the work to eliminate sexual violence alone and unsupported. As long as powerful people & institutions do nothing in the face of allegations, abuse will continue with impunity.
— OluTimehin Adegbeye (@OhTimehin) May 5, 2018
I am disappointed but not surprised by the BBC’s actions, in much the same way that I expect to be disappointed but not surprised by the responses I will receive to my words. But I am not afraid. I am not alone. And I am certainly not powerless. #MeToo indeed.
— OluTimehin Adegbeye (@OhTimehin) May 5, 2018
Andre Blaze had previously issued a brief statement saying those who know him can attest they are not the actions of the person they know.
He would address the matter in full at a later date, he continued.
I’m issuing a brief statement in light of the allegations made against my person.
The things being said about me, those that know me can attest are not the actions of the person they know as a friend, son, brother and father.
— Andre Blaze Henshaw (@AndreBlaze) May 5, 2018
Reacting to the situation, Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife TV, said;
“I am very concerned about these allegations and I am determined to find out the truth.”
“Naturally, we do not condone sexual assault against or unwanted advances towards women, therefore we are investigating whether there is any merit to these claims. We will issue a further statement as soon as we have more information.”
See screenshot below
