Masika Kalysha Apologizes For Kidnapping Video -- To Anyone 'I Offended Or Hurt With My Delivery'
By Mike Walters on August 28, 2020 at 11:24 AM EDT
'Love and Hip Hop' star Masika Kalysha is apologizing for a kidnapping video she posted to bring light to victims of human trafficking and says she now realizes her delivery of the message was "distasteful."
In a statement issued by the reality star, she explains the reasoning behind creating and posting the video and is apologizing to anyone it may have offended in the process.
"While on set fully immersed in my character, for season two of Double Crossed, a show that bravely displays the reality and tragedy of human trafficking, I got caught up in the excitement of the moment and chose to use my platform to bring an essential topic to light by displaying my efforts to support the end of human trafficking," Masika began.
She continued, "It is imperative that you understand the public's safety and the victims are paramount to my actions. I made no money, nor was it ever my intent. With that being said, I am aware that the way I went about it was distasteful, and I apologize to anyone whom I have offended or hurt with my delivery."
Masika says she is grateful the situation has opened up the discussion about the traffic reality of human trafficking and asks people to join in her efforts combatting the situation.
"However, I am incredibly grateful that we now have an open dialogue to refocus our attention on what matters most. I urge everyone to join me in my efforts to bring awareness to this awful reality. But most importantly, I urge everyone to help put an end to human trafficking," Masika says.
As we reported, the streaming service which airs the television show, 'Double Cross,' issues a statement saying they fired the reality star due to the issues surrounding the kidnapping video.
But, we're told no one from the network has confirmed with Masika's representation or legal counsel that she has been released. Plus, we're told the network has not made any contact with Masika or her team directly.
The company, UMC, issued the following statement, "In light of the offensive video posted by Masika Kalysha while on the set of our series, "Double Cross," we've made the decision to part ways with her immediately and will be recasting her role. "Double Cross" was created to shed light on the horrors of sex trafficking and we strongly condemn any inclination that such a serious issue should be made light of."
The rug has be completely pulled from beneath me. My entire team is disheartened & in disbelief. You can’t love me because I’m “salacious” & outspoken & also hate me for the same reasons. It’s a tremendously daunting feeling to be used & left for dead. I will be less trusting of
— Masika Kalysha (@masikakalysha) August 28, 2020