After more than 35 years, the iconic hip hop group Public Enemy is parting ways with one of their members after a disagreement over a rally hosted by Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders.
The rapper Flavor Flav was upset about the Sanders campaign’s decision to use the band’s likeness in promotional material for a rally in Los Angeles. In a statement to Rolling Stone, the group said, “Public Enemy and Public Enemy Radio will be moving forward without Flavor Flav. We thank him for his years of service and wish him well.”
Flavor Flav is probably the most well-known member of the group, he wears an oversized clock around his neck and frequently a top hat. For a few years, he was the star of the hit VH1 series “Flavor of Love.”
Another band member, Chuck D, who is now the only founding member of the group still in Public Enemy has expressed support for Sanders. He also attacked his former bandmate in a tweet, saying that Flavor Flav would have appeared at the rally if it was paid but that he will not do benefit shows.
Spoke @BernieSanders rally with @EnemyRadio. If there was a $bag, Flav would’ve been there front & center. He will NOT do free benefit shows. Sued me in court the 1st time I let him back in. His ambulance lawyer sued me again on Friday & so now he stays home & better find REHAB
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) March 2, 2020
The split comes after Flavor Flav’s lawyer sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Sanders campaign on Friday accusing them of using his “unauthorized likeness, image and trademarked clock.” The letter, which was obtained by Pitchfork, also noted that the rapper “has not endorsed any political candidate” in the 2020 election.
The letter added, “It is unfortunate that a political campaign would be so careless with the artistic integrity of such iconoclastic figures in American culture.”
Later, Flavor Flav’s lawyer argued, “Sanders claims to represent ‘everyman’ not ‘the man’ yet his grossly irresponsible handling of Chuck’s endorsement threatens to divide Public Enemy and, in doing so, forever silences one of our nation’s loudest and most enduring voices for social change.”
Public Enemy appeared at a Sunday rally for Sanders but without Flavor Flav.
In the letter sent to the Sanders campaign, Flavor Flav’s lawyers said, “The planned performance will only be Chuck D of Public Enemy, it will not be a performance by Public Enemy. Those who truly know what Public Enemy stands for know what time it is. There is no Public Enemy without Flavor Flav.”
“Bernie, his name is Flavor Flav and he does NOT approve your message!” the letter concludes.
Public Enemy — without Flavor Flav — went through with their rally for Bernie Sanders on Sunday.
Today over 24,700 people came out to #FightThePower alongside @berniesanders in California. pic.twitter.com/52zXuom7bv
— People for Bernie (@People4Bernie) March 2, 2020
Public Enemy is hardly the first musical act to have appeared at a Sanders rally. The Strokes recently played a concert for the politician in New Hampshire where they debuted a new song.