Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa Loses Child Sexual Abuse Civil Case in New York

Afrika Bambaataa, a pioneering hip-hop figure, has lost a civil lawsuit alleging child sexual abuse and sex trafficking after failing to appear in court, resulting in a default judgment against him in New York State Supreme Court. The anonymous plaintiff claimed abuse starting in 1991 when he was 12 years old and Bambaataa was in his early 30s. These allegations follow earlier accusations from 2016 by several men, including Ronald Savage, who recently recanted his claims, stating the interactions were consensual and involved a fake ID. Despite multiple allegations from a total of 12 men, Bambaataa has consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations baseless and an attempt to damage his legacy. The case highlights ongoing controversies around Bambaataa's legacy within the hip-hop community, and his failure to respond legally has led to significant legal consequences. Support resources for sexual abuse victims are also noted in coverage of the case.