Miami rap legend Uncle Luke finds himself at the center of controversy as former video vixen and podcaster Gloria Velez accuses him of grooming young women in the industry during the '90s. Velez's outspoken comments bring attention to a broader issue of grooming in the entertainment business, implicating Uncle Luke and sparking a vigorous defense from the veteran artist.
Velez, who also shares a child with Aaron Hall—recently named in a sexual assault lawsuit with Diddy—revealed that she and Hall started dating when she was 16 and he was 30, later giving birth to their son at 17. She took to her Instagram Story to speak out, stating, "If you don't think grooming is happening in this business, you're sadly mistaken. It started in 1994 with Luke and a few others in this business. I was in high school."
In response to Velez's claims, Uncle Luke took to his Instagram Live to address the allegations and express his disbelief at the term "grooming." He stated, "I just learned what the f**k 'grooming' means. I didn't even know what the f**k 'grooming' means. 'Grooming,' what the f**k is 'grooming?' They had to explain that sh*t to me. Y'all got the right one. I don't have no problem going to court."
Uncle Luke emphasized that he is not like other figures in the industry, stating, "I'm not Russell Simmons. I'm not them other people. I don't do that. I know my brand." He defended his explicit and provocative lyrics, asserting that knowing his brand helps him avoid the pitfalls associated with such content.
Detailing the operation in his camp, Uncle Luke explained how he ensures a professional and accountable environment. "I video everything. Everybody signs releases. I do shows; ain't no underage people doing no show with me. I fire girls. I have chaperoned for the girls... This is not a traveling wh*rehouse. So if you go and mess around with these other artists, you're going to get sent home, sweetheart. You'll get fired."
Uncle Luke's response sheds light on the challenges artists face in maintaining their image and dealing with allegations from the past. As the debate continues, it brings attention to the importance of accountability and ethical conduct within the entertainment industry.
