June 12th 2025.
In a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, Marc Lamont Hill, a well-known academic and activist, opened up about a disturbing incident that occurred in 2024. While speaking at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in Philadelphia, Hill was assaulted onstage by an alleged stalker. He shared the details of the incident with his co-hosts, who were both shocked and amused by the bizarre story.
Hill confirmed that he was pepper-sprayed during the Q&A portion of the event, which took place directly across from his independent bookstore, Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books. He described his initial reaction as being "mad as shit" and explained that he did not pursue legal action against the perpetrator, despite the fact that it could potentially conflict with his beliefs about the criminal justice system. Hill was adamant that he did not want to sue the woman, stating, "N***a, please. You can hear me on the tape say, 'Do not call the police.' I walk it like I talk it."
He went on to explain that the woman had been stalking him for weeks without his knowledge. She had even defaced his bookstore with red spray paint and attempted to throw a brick through the window before being stopped by the police. Hill described her as being mentally ill and shared that she had written him a letter claiming that the CIA and Joe Biden were trying to frame her for murder.
Despite his co-hosts' joking suggestions that the woman may have been a jilted lover, Hill made it clear that this was not the case. He carefully detailed the woman's erratic behavior leading up to the attack and reiterated that he had never met her before. He recalled the moments before the assault, when the woman approached the microphone and said her name, causing him to realize who she was. He described feeling a sense of fear as he sat in his chair, thinking she may have a gun. Before he could react, she had pepper-sprayed him in the eye.
Footage of the attack was later posted online by Joe Budden TV, showing the woman approaching Hill, pulling out a can of pepper spray, and deploying it. In the video, a man can be seen jumping in to restrain the assailant, while Hill retreats behind the stage curtains. He later returns to the stage and informs the audience of the woman's prior vandalism at his bookstore, stating that they would not be involving the police.
Hill also took to social media to share more information about the incident and his decision not to press charges. He explained that the attack occurred because the woman believed he was involved in a conspiracy to cover up traumatic events from her childhood. Since then, he has worked with her family and community members to facilitate a restorative process.
He shared that through this process, he has learned about the woman's history of childhood abuse and ongoing mental health challenges. Instead of pursuing criminal prosecution, Hill has made it his priority to ensure that she receives the necessary support and resources to aid in her healing. In a later tweet, he reassured his followers that he was doing well and thanked them for their concern.
It is clear that Marc Lamont Hill is a compassionate and understanding individual, who has approached this difficult situation with empathy and grace. He has shown that sometimes, forgiveness and restorative justice can be more powerful and healing than seeking revenge or punishment.
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