Rashon Kahn, a former bodyguard and trainer for late comedian Richard Pryor, has claimed in a video clip published earlier today, that Pryor offered $1 million for someone to assassinate his friend, comedian Paul Mooney, for allegedly “violating” his son.
The clip, which was uploaded to Comedy Hype’s YouTube channel (see video below), is going viral, with thousands of YouTube and social media users expressing shock and disbelief. While some social media users appeared to believe Kahn’s claim, others were skeptical, saying there is no public evidence that Mooney, whose real name is Paul Gladney, is gay. Some accused Kahn of making up the story to promote his book.
Rashon Kahn, who is set to publish his tell-all memoir titled Everything Wasn’t Funny, claims that Pryor was very upset when he learned that Mooney was allegedly “violated” his son. He said that Mooney’s alleged “violation” of Pryor’s son caused a rift between the two comedian friends and ended their personal and professional relationship.
“Their relationship became fragile because Paul Mooney had f****d Richard’s son by that time,” Kahn said in the interview. He went on to say that, “There was a time that Paul Mooney was Richard’s friend.”
Pryor was a stand-up comedian and actor who is known for works such as Live & Smokin’ (1971), Live in Concert (1979), and Live on the Sunset Strip (1982). He appeared in comedies such as Silver Streak (1976). He also appeared in Blue Collar (1978) and Superman III (1983).
Mooney served for some years as a writer on the late comedian’s show.
Update: Richard Pryor’s former wife Jennifer Lee has claimed (see tweets below) that Pryor Jr. confirmed Kahn’s story at a luncheon after his father’s funeral. The incident allegedly happened when Pryor Jr. was a child.
TRUE-RP jr. confirmed this at the luncheon I gave after Richard's funeral service–he announced it to the entire restaurant full of guests! I have it on tape.
— Jennifer Lee Pryor (@JenniferLPryor) August 26, 2019
It happened during the JOJO Dancer shoot, RP sent Mooney home when he found out—
— Jennifer Lee Pryor (@JenniferLPryor) August 26, 2019
it's on dvd-we filmed the event, no means to edit…if you don't believe me, I don't give a fuck-not life: ask RPjr and Rashon
— Jennifer Lee Pryor (@JenniferLPryor) August 26, 2019
Twitter reacts
People have been reacting to Kahn’s story on social media.
Richard Pryor put a M on Paul Mooney's head for touching his underage son?! This Monday is already stressful ???
— T (@Mad_Dad2020) August 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/TJRicks_TSP/status/1166043667360038912
https://twitter.com/RiRiEscobar_/status/1166048702617837569
Paul Mooney raped & molested Richard Pryor Jr? pic.twitter.com/8F0K68Wc8F
— captain baljeet (@OnlyTheBishop) August 26, 2019
Richard Pryor bodyguard is essentially admitting to conspiracy but sheesh paul mooney gotta address this
— Justin Davis [Kobe Bryant Memorial Account] (@OGJOHNNY5) August 26, 2019
Paul Mooney is gay ???????????
— Michele (@MzSTL79) August 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/TheRealKeifono/status/1166076030496518147
Paul Mooney did WHHHHAT!?!?!? Nah man… I can't..
I am going to need Richard Pryor, Jr. to confirm this shit. pic.twitter.com/SRWCVhWcYB
— A Shot of Henny. (@VigorousMental) August 26, 2019
I watched that interview of Richard Pryor's Bodyguard…. Either he's the best liar on the planet, or Paul Mooney really did that shit.
— The Book of ʋɐəS (@SeanTheTerrible) August 26, 2019
Pryor’s widow, Jennifer Lee, also took to Twitter to comment on the allegation.
It's not my life, it happened to RPJr. and since Rashon said this—and you want granular details, then go speak to him, or RP Jr. https://t.co/6qPiWNqdiL
— Jennifer Lee Pryor (@JenniferLPryor) August 26, 2019
it certainly would—! it would also be effective if RP Jr. would add the granular details…RPJr. is out as a gay man—he might want to shed light on this further and so should Rashon, since he is the one who tweeted original tweet — https://t.co/K0eOiTf05U
— Jennifer Lee Pryor (@JenniferLPryor) August 26, 2019
She asked Pryor Jr. to come forward with more details about the allegations.