Friends-turned-frenemies? It looks like 2017 ended with a feud between Dr. Umar Johnson and film producer Tariq Nasheed, a public squabble that already has some folks choosing sides.
Their bickering reportedly began after Johnson, a school psychologist whose credentials are currently under investigation, posted a Twitter status last week calling out Nasheed, and Dr. Boyce Watkins, who he claimed made “recent disrespectful comments” about his GoFundMe campaign to found a school and his upcoming hearing before the state. The famed pan-Afrikanist is accused of pegging himself as a psychologist without having the proper license and could stand to lose his “credentials” in Pennsylvania.
“I don’t speak publicly on anyone, I mind my business,” he tweeted Dec. 29. “If you don’t have anything supportive to say, then you shouldn’t say anything at all … I have held my tongue on these two for a while, [but] now the gloves are off.”
Nasheed didn’t take too kindly to Johnson’s fighting words, however, and clapped back in an Instagram post. His words? “Try me.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdTeaDGFGgU/
The social media feud escalated from there with the two taking shots back and forth, resorting to name-calling and even threats to duke out their differences in an actual boxing ring. Take a look below:
Since your sweet ass talking that ish we can set a date and get in the ring for real, real boxing ring, real gloves, real ass whipping….. pic.twitter.com/8UQmoyrXY9
— Dr. Umar Ifatunde (@DrUmarJohnson) December 30, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdTnXVFFuXr/?taken-by=tariqelite
"Coward Ass Sister Nasheedah said he doesn't need a ring, ok then, I'm free after Jan 3rd, how & where do you want to do this? I'm waiting for your response you lame, showing off in the public eye gonna get your ass whipped boy, I ain't Hollywood…" pic.twitter.com/eTAOf2nGKg
— Dr. Umar Ifatunde (@DrUmarJohnson) December 30, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdWfN6gFv4f/?taken-by=tariqelite
DR.UMAR GOES INSTAGRAM LIVE TONITE FROM DETROIT AT 1130PM EST…… pic.twitter.com/vOIjPa2dQe
— Dr. Umar Ifatunde (@DrUmarJohnson) January 1, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bda9FnWl6YY/?taken-by=tariqelite
The pair’s public war of words has some of their supporters choosing sides, while others have posited themselves as a voice of reason urging the former friends to call it a truce. One attempted to remind the pair that they’re a bigger enemy they should be concerned with.
You just lost me as a follower my brother. This is not how intelligent leaders handle their differences with members of their own community. I'll come back when you realize that you both have a common enemy and it isn't one another. Peace my brotha.
— John Cruise (@johnmcruise) January 1, 2018
Dr Umar Johnson this is Mark Anthony Jenkins CEO of Black Expo America I want you to stop this right now brother. What you're doing does not look good for your image or the Black Community. Let's draw up a truce between you, Tariq & Dr. Boyce. Let's talk ASAP 917-501-0614.
— BE WORLDWIDE (@BEWorldwide) January 1, 2018
This is a bad move I am sure you will regret. Tariq is the King of being Petty. When that puppet comes out it is a wrap.
— Malik Freeman (@mrmalikmuhammad) January 2, 2018
Tariq….you G checked him good, alright, time to let rest for a minute. I’m sad that you two are going at. But I will support you both and just let this part of the family have their argument.
— Charles Johnson (@CJ_Onyx) January 1, 2018
— Sulaiman. (@whotooksulaiman) January 1, 2018
Meanwhile, other social media users grabbed their popcorn and laughed as the chaos unfolded.
— Wallace (@MrRayford) January 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/ImJustCeej/status/947138147825209345
This nigga Tariq Nasheed said he’ll take Umar Johnson’s dashiki off and slap his titties lmfaooo nigga i screamed and I’m still screaming
— Kylan Morris (@KylanDMorris) December 30, 2017
I’m watching this Tariq Nasheed and Umar Johnson beef like… pic.twitter.com/NOYleOC3lS
— Chidike Okeem (@VOICEOFCHID) December 30, 2017
