Tariq Nasheed, Umar Johnson Are In a Verbal Feud and Folks Are Torn

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.”

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 Johnson (@DrUmarJohnson) December 30, 2017

“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 Johnson (@DrUmarJohnson) December 30, 2017

DR.UMAR GOES INSTAGRAM LIVE TONITE FROM DETROIT AT 1130PM EST…… pic.twitter.com/vOIjPa2dQe

— Dr. Umar Johnson (@DrUmarJohnson) January 1, 2018

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.

— Black Expo America (@BlackXpoAmerica) 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

pic.twitter.com/VjsHc0Uv7J

— Sulaiman. (@whotooksulaiman) January 1, 2018

Meanwhile, other social media users grabbed their popcorn and laughed as the chaos unfolded.

pic.twitter.com/WH0fz6r6sS

— Wallace (@MrRayford) January 1, 2018

For the past 4 years I’ve been saying “there’s no good reason to RT Tariq Nasheed” but I’m here to tell you, I lied. I finally found the perfect reason, and it’s watching he and Umar Johnson argue from their respective offices like they are Basketball Wives. This is phenomenal!! pic.twitter.com/gXBKRgYNAQ

— Miss Black Awareness (@ImJustCeej) December 30, 2017

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 Dr. Durag Morris (@AwwHELLToTheNaw) December 30, 2017

I’m watching this Tariq Nasheed and Umar Johnson beef like… pic.twitter.com/NOYleOC3lS

— Chidike Okeem (@VOICEOFCHID) December 30, 2017