Russel Simmons shows support for Muslim reality TV show

American Retail giant Lowe’s has raised a storm of national controversy, with many calling for a boycott of the store, after it made the decision to pull advertising from All-American Muslims, a reality show that looks into the lives of six Muslim families that live in a predominantly Muslim suburb of Michigan.

Lowe’s decided to end its advertising on the program — which is broadcast on TLC, a subsidiary of Discovery Communications (DISCA) — when a conservative group called the Florida Family Association asked its members to petition the company, on the grounds that it was inappropriate for Lowe’s to advertise on a program that was “propaganda that riskily hides the Islamic agenda’s clear and present danger to American liberties and traditional values.”

“Clearly this program is attempting to manipulate Americans into ignoring the threat of jihad and to influence them to believe that being concerned about the jihad threat would somehow victimize these nice people in this show,” said the group.

The company is now facing severe backlash over what has been perceived as pandering to bigots. California state senator Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) was one who was pondering a boycott of the chain, saying that its decision was “un-American” and “naked religious bigotry.”

Hip-hop mogul — and practising Buddhist — Russell Simmons is throwing his financial support behind the TLC reality series “All-American Muslim,” tweeting on Monday that he is trying to purchase ad time during this week’s episode of the show.

“Just purchased remaining spots for #allamericanmuslim for next week The show is now sold out! keep your money @lowes and we will keep ours,” Simmons, as @UncleRUSH, tweeted Monday.

Simmons wants to use the time to advertise his prepaid Visa card, RushCard. But he said late Monday that he was having difficulty securing the ads ahead of Sunday’s 10 pm broadcast of “Muslim.”
“I’m trying to buy ads during #AllAmericanMuslim airing this Sunday, but now they are saying they are sold out. I will keep trying …” he tweeted.

Lowe’s said in a statement to TheWrap: “The TLC program ”All-American Muslim” has become a lightning rod for people to voice complaints from a variety of perspectives – political, social and otherwise. Following this development, dozens of companies removed their advertising from the program beginning in late November. Lowe’s made the decision to discontinue our advertising on Dec. 5.”

“We have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and we’re proud of that longstanding commitment. If we have made anyone question that commitment, we apologize.”

Simmons is also backing a petition urging other companies to advertise during “All-American Muslim.” Petition organizers reached their initial goal of 10,000 signatures on Monday, and, as of Tuesday morning, were 22,083 signatures towards their new goal of 25,000.’, ‘