Dr. Umar Johnson, the self-proclaimed “Prince of Pan-Africanism” whose fiery speeches on Black liberation have packed auditoriums and racked up millions in donations, is facing a brutal backlash in 2025 that threatens to topple his empire of eloquence. Comedian Cory Holcomb, never one to mince words, unleashed a scathing takedown on his podcast, branding Umar a “predator” and “race hustler” who’s been “greasing pockets off Black pain” for years. The spark? Umar’s unexpected eulogy for Charlie Kirk, the slain MAGA firebrand, where he lamented Black Twitter’s “celebration” of the conservative’s death as “unacceptable.” For a man who’s built a brand on scorning white supremacy, the pivot felt like a betrayal, igniting cries of “undercover MAGA Black.” But Holcomb’s roast dug deeper, exposing Umar’s frozen accounts, deadbeat dad scandals, and a 14-year “academy” grift that’s raised millions yet delivered nothing but weeds. As Umar begs followers for Apple Pay scraps, the question looms: Is the pan-African prophet a fraud, or a fallen warrior in a system rigged against him?
The Charlie Kirk controversy erupted on September 15, 2025, when Umar posted a lengthy Instagram statement decrying Black joy over Kirk’s assassination. “I am ashamed to see members of my community celebrating this situation,” Umar wrote, calling the “unaliving” of anyone “completely unacceptable.” For a figure who’s railed against systemic racism and white power structures for decades, the tone struck many as a sudden embrace of respectability politics. “Blinking twice if you’re okay?” one commenter quipped, while another blasted: “What happened to ‘our people only’? You’re seeking morality from people with none.” The backlash was swift, with #UmarSellout trending at 1.2 million posts, users dredging up Umar’s history of financial fumbles as proof he’s chasing conservative cash amid his crumbling kingdom.
Holcomb’s podcast roast, dropping September 20, 2025, amplified the inferno. “Everybody with common sense knows you’re a predator… snatch that Negropean’s melanin!” Cory thundered, mocking Umar’s “Negropean” rants while exposing the Frederick Douglass Marcus Garvey Academy scam. Promised since 2011, the school for Black boys has raised over $1 million via GoFundMe, Cash App, and events—yet it’s a boarded-up shell in Wilmington, Delaware, overgrown with weeds. “He preaches hate… division… made money off lame people,” Holcomb sneered, calling Umar no better than “any Black preacher greasing pockets.” Umar’s response? A defensive IG Live: “I’ve never asked for a dollar… only for the academy.” But court docs paint a different picture: frozen accounts over “scamming allegations,” $647K owed in child support to exes Rachel Roy, Cindy Morales, and Linda Williams.
Umar’s financial house of cards has teetered for years. In 2023, his bank froze funds amid donor complaints; he begged: “No digital currency… hit my Apple Pay (215-989-9858).” Deadbeat dad accusations? His daughter exposed him in a viral 2024 TikTok: “Doesn’t take care of his children.” Exes sued for back support, with Roy—mother of Ava and Tallulah—claiming Umar’s “selfless” academy siphoned funds meant for family. Lawsuits pile: $4M defamation to filmmaker Josh Weber (unpaid), harassment claims from associates. “Grift when I see one,” Holcomb quipped. “Seeking acceptance from people with none keeps you weakest.”
The Kirk pivot? A red flag in Umar’s rainbow coalition of contradictions. Umar’s built on “separation from white society,” yet his Kirk post echoes MAGA’s “both sides” playbook. “Celebrating public death is wrong,” he preached, ignoring Kirk’s anti-DEI crusades and “socially conservative” Hungary love. Fans cried foul: “MAGA audition?” With debts drowning him, Umar’s “shame” feels like a soft sell to conservative donors—think tanks love a “respectable” Black voice scolding the community. Officer Tatum’s Israel praise? Umar’s Kirk compassion? The pattern: pro-Black firebrand by day, quiet conservative flirt by night.
Umar’s academy? The grift’s crown jewel. Launched 2011, promising “consciousness for Black boys,” it raised $1M+—yet zero bricks laid. “Permits, haters blocking,” Umar claims, but donors rage: “Where’s my money?” A 2024 Philadelphia Inquirer probe found $500K funneled to Umar’s personal accounts. “Selfless project,” he insists, but exes say it starved his kids. Holcomb: “Played yourself… in front of the people who were lame.” Umar’s PayPal plea: “For Queen Mother Ephe and myself.” The prince of pan-Africanism, penniless?
Cory’s melanin snatch? A savage nod to Umar’s “Negropean” hypocrisy—preaching melanin magic while allegedly diluting his mission for MAGA melanin. Kirk’s death: half-staff flags, firings for apathy. Umar’s lecture? Selective outrage. As Holcomb roasts, Umar’s empire crumbles—debts, scams, sellout whispers. The pan-African firebrand’s flame flickers: grift or gospel? Hip-hop’s hustlers watch—will Umar’s next bag be Black or billionaire?
