Funkmaster Flex and former HOT 97 colleague TT Torrez are sharing conflicting accounts of a Tuesday night fight at MSG. Both sides shared their versions on Instagram.
What We Know: The incident happened inside the Delta Lounge at Madison Square Garden on October 20th prior to the Knicks season opener vs. the Philadelphia 76ers. Video of the scuffle quickly spread across social media.
According to Torrez, the confrontation started as a verbal exchange between Flex and her husband. Her statement, released by Now PR Agency CEO Roseay, claims Flex then shoved her. Additionally, the statement alleges years of harassment and bullying from Flex during their time together at HOT 97. Torrez reached a settlement with Mediaco’s HOT 97 that included a non-disparagement agreement. She claims Flex has continued to violate it. Her representative also told TMZ she filed an online police report.
What They Said: Torrez’s statement framed the night as part of a longer pattern.
“A verbal exchange between her husband and Funkmaster Flex escalated into a physical confrontation in which Funkmaster Flex shoved her violently. There is no justification for a man to put his hands on a woman, under any circumstances.” –Statement on behalf of TT Torrez
The statement also pushed back on the viral clip.
“The brief video circulating online does not tell the full story. What the public saw was a husband defending his wife.”
Flex, however, mocked the allegations in a pair of Instagram posts.
“HAHAHAHAH! ASSAULTED WHEN? IM MINDING MY BUISNESS? SHADOW U MAD? WHO THAT WITH U?” –Funkmaster Flex
In a second post, Flex claimed the couple was chasing a payday.
“THIS MUSIC INDUSTRY COUPLE HAS AN “ACTIVE CASE” AGAINST ME AND MY COMPANY! TRYING HARD TO BAIT ME INTO A PAYOUT!” –Funkmaster Flex
What Remains Unclear: Neither side has released complete video of the incident. Flex’s posts reference a “Shadow Stokes,” but Torrez’s statement doesn’t name her husband. Meanwhile, no arrests or charges had been announced as of Wednesday morning, according to The Source. HOT 97 and Madison Square Garden have not commented publicly.
What It Means: Flex has been a HOT 97 fixture for more than three decades. As a result, a public fight with a former colleague puts Mediaco in an uncomfortable position. Following last week’s events involving The Kid Mero and Kaz taking aim at their employer, it creates even more friction for the organization. Flex is also teasing “THURSDAY! 7PM! I GOT A STORY TO TELL!” in one post. So this story likely isn’t finished. As Damizza points out on Instagram below, an analog radio personality being clipped and promoted across digital media, and driving tune in to an upcoming show suggest radio is back!
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