Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Hot 97 Deejay Thinks All Haitians Have HIV?


By

Jen Carlson

Published Dec 21, 2010

Modified Dec 21, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Jen Carlson

Published Dec 21, 2010

Modified Dec 21, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Hot 97 DJ Cipha Sounds is the latest radio personality to say something dumb on air. During his Friday morning show last week, the deejay told listeners, "The reason I'm HIV negative is because I don't mess with Haitian girls." So, yeah, the Haitian community is not happy, and now they, as well as local leaders, are calling for him to be fired.

The 34-year-old, whose real name is Luis Diaz, apologized after the station started getting calls—the full video is below, where he says: "I made a stupid, tasteless joke that was a one-liner that was taken totally the wrong way. I want to say sincerely that I apologize." How would that comment be taken the right way?

For now Diaz still has his job, but a coalition of Haitian community leaders are planning a rally outside of the Hot 97 headquarters on Hudson Street tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Tagged

DJ Cipha Sounds

Haitians

Hot 97

Luis Diaz

hiv


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

Inside the Midtown Bus Terminal rebuild: Decks over Lincoln Tunnel approach, a new park

The new deck will be used to store buses and supplies while crews tear down and rebuild the Midtown bus terminal. Once the project wraps, the space will be converted into a new park.

By

Ramsey Khalifeh

Published Oct 23, 2026 at 3:44 p.m. ET


Black couple seeking Queens apartment sues over racist text from broker

The broker accidentally sent them a text that said "Ugh, they're Black," according to the suit.

By

Brittany Kriegstein

News

Black couple seeking Queens apartment sues over racist text from broker

The broker accidentally sent them a text that said "Ugh, they're Black," according to the suit.

By

Brittany Kriegstein


NJ early voting begins Saturday. Here's everything you need to know.

By

Mike Hayes

Countdown clocks are coming to an NYC bus stop near you

By

Stephen Nessen

Are NJ schools unconstitutionally segregated? It's back to the courts to decide.

By

Colleen O'Dea


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .