*A member of Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network has responded to rapper David Banner’s expletive-filled criticism of the activist and his current nationwide effort to clean up rap lyrics. 

      In an interview with sohh.com, Banner came out swinging against the civil rights leader, who last week organized protests around the U.S. calling for public divestment from the music industry until rappers stop using the words “b*tch,” “ho” and “n**ger” in their lyrics.

      "The next time you see Al Sharpton, tell him I said f*ck him and he can suck my di*k," Banner told the Web site. "I might change the name of my album from ‘The Greatest Story Never Told’ to ‘F*ck Al Sharpton.’      

      “I hate Al Sharpton. This is the kind of sh*t that I'm talking about. They're killing kids in New Jersey and all across the country and all a ni**a got to talk about is rap lyrics? F*ck that about they're our elders and we gotta respect them. I'm tired of this. They're like the parents, but the parents are crucifying the kids.      

      "They tried to crucify Nelly and Akon ... we need to come together because they're only doing this because we're not saying anything. Sharpton] a permed-out pimp. Him and Jesse Jackson are out here charging people to do rallies with them. They're more worried about their investors than our kids. Tell him David Banner said it."

      Well, someone told Sharpton’s National Action Network and the group has issued a response. Kirsten John-Foy, who describes himself as a leader with the group, refers to Banner by his real name, Levell Crump, in the following statement:

       “From time to time we do encounter people that have sexual fantasies about Reverend Al Sharpton, but they are always women and Crump’s proposition is a first,” says Foy. “However, in keeping with the National Action Network’s Decency Initiative, I am sure Rev. Sharpton would not call Crump the “N” “B” or “H” word. And, despite Crump’s personal request, I am sure Reverend Sharpton would not call him a f-g--t. He would just pray for him. We at NAN are pro civil rights for everyone, even Levell Crump who has not had a banner year since his debut album in 2003.”