2025 RBN-ACP Colab controversy

On February 2025, a scheduled livestream between Revolutionary Blackout (@SocialistMMA) of the Revolutionary Blackout Network (RBN) and the American Communist Party (ACP) ignited online controversy, primarily within the Western left. The announcement, intended to foster dialogue and explore ACP perspectives, drew both support and intense criticism, especially from individuals self-identifying as communist or socialist – often termed "Redlibs" online. This event underscored the ongoing constant attacks from Anti-ACP drones.

Background

Revolutionary Blackout Network (RBN) is a Organization providing anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist commentary from an African American perspective, frequently engaging with diverse political viewpoints across the left spectrum and beyond such as Jimmy Dore and Scott Ritter. The American Communist Party (ACP) is a Marxist-Leninist organization in the United States, established in 2024 through the unification of Midwestern Marx and Infrared, media platforms linked to figures such as Jackson Hinkle and Haz Al-Din. RBN had previously collaborated with individuals from ACP and Midwestern Marx, demonstrating a prior relationship and platforming of their perspectives.

Pre-existing tensions within the online left, especially between groups like ACP and those labeled "Redlibs," were characterized by disagreements over ideological orthodoxy, bad interpretations of Marxist-Leninist theory, and divergent strategies concerning social issues and political action. "Redlibs" commonly accused ACP of being "fascist," "homophobic," "reactionary," or "federal agents" ("feds"), often pointing to perceived social conservatism or associations with contentious figures as justification.

"Redlib" Smears and Accusations

The negative responses were marked by a pattern of familiar accusations and smears leveled against both ACP and RBN:

• Accusations of Fascism and Reactionary Politics: ACP was frequently labeled "fascist," "Duginist," and "Larouchite," with claims that they were "fascists adopting communist terminology." RBN was accused of "platforming fascists" by hosting ACP representatives.
• Accusations of Homophobia and Social Conservatism: ACP was accused of "homophobia" "racism" and being "reactionary concerning liberal identity politics," often citing their perceived social conservatism and tolerance of diverse social views within their membership.
• Accusations of Being "Feds": The recurring accusation of ACP being infiltrated or directly controlled by federal agencies ("feds") resurfaced.
• Personal Attacks and Demonization: Individuals associated with ACP, particularly Jackson Hinkle, were subjected to personal attacks and demonization, being labeled "racist," "homophobic," and "controversial."
• Demands for Deplatforming and Censorship: "Redlibs" actively urged RBN to cancel the livestream and "deplatform" ACP, asserting they were dangerous and undeserving of a platform.

These accusations often lacked concrete evidence and relied heavily on hyperbole and ad hominem attacks or simply taking things out of context.

Revolutionary Blackout's Defense and Stance

Revolutionary Blackout countered the criticism by:

• Defending Dialogue and Open Conversation: RBN consistently stressed the importance of dialogue and open conversation, arguing for the necessity of engaging with diverse viewpoints and "hashing out differences." Nick asserted, "I’m a big advocate of dialogue and conversation. If that makes you uncomfortable too bad."
• Critiquing "Redlib" Sectarianism: RBN directly condemned the "Redlib" response as "shady af" and "psychotic," accusing them of "doing nothing but advocating for a lack of dialogue" and being "more shady than the ACP."
• Highlighting ACP Praxis: RBN pointed out that ACP was "actually doing stuff," contrasting their practical organizing with the perceived online inaction of their critics.
• Rejecting "Cancel Culture": RBN explicitly rejected the "cancel culture" originating from "ineffectual left Twitter irrelevant users," affirming his prerogative to platform whomever he chose and pursue conversations he considered vital.
• Initial Rescheduling and Subsequent Livestream: The livestream was unfortunately rescheduled for March 4th

Despite the persistent online controversy, the livestream between RBN and ACP was rescheduled and broadcast on March 4, 2025. Reports indicate the livestream was well-received by viewers and fostered very positive relations between ACP-RBN. Participants characterized it as a great conversation that facilitated mutual understanding and underscored shared principles of anti-imperialism and anti-Zionism.