The Breakfast Club: Donkey of the Day
Man Kidnaps His Ex-GF & Forces Her To Steal From Walmart For Him
Date: November 3, 2025
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God
Episode Overview
This episode’s main theme centers around the "Donkey of the Day" segment, where Charlamagne Tha God highlights a shocking and disturbing incident involving Harrison Coleman of Maine. Charlamagne discusses the broader societal and economic pressures that may underpin such crimes, using the incident as a lens for social commentary on desperation, survival, and the crumbling American safety net. The tone is critical yet empathetic, weaving in both humor and hard truths.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Incident Recap: The Donkey of the Day
- [03:21] Charlamagne introduces Harrison Coleman, a 50-year-old from Maine, who has been arrested for kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and threatening to kill her unless she shoplifted items from Walmart.
- The details are relayed through an ABC8 news report: Coleman assaulted his ex-partner, forced her into his vehicle, and took her to Walmart. She alerted store employees, leading to Coleman’s arrest without bail.
- Charlamagne expresses both disbelief and frustration at the violent yet bizarre nature of the crime.
- Quote: “This man wasn't trying to get no money. He wasn't trying to sexually assault this woman. This man wanted her to steal specific items for him from Walmart.” (Charlamagne, 06:34)
2. Mentality Behind the Crime
- Charlamagne explains his philosophy — “your thoughts become things” — and stresses the importance of protecting women, adding that one can't control the irrationality or desperation of others.
- He contextualizes the crime within the wider economic struggles many Americans are currently facing, referencing an earlier segment about government shutdown impacts.
- Quote: “People are hurting out here, okay? I’m not making any excuses for what this man did... for the foreseeable future, we are going to hear a lot more of these types of crimes.” (Charlamagne, 07:42)
3. Desperation and Consequences
- Charlamagne draws a clear line between understanding the pressures of “survival mode” and excusing criminal acts.
- Quote: “I know desperate times call for desperate measures, but please understand these desperate measures are also going to get you a whole lot of time, okay?” (Charlamagne, 08:24)
- He urges listeners to resist letting desperation lead to predatory or abusive behavior, highlighting how economic and emotional need can escalate into exploitation and violence.
- Quote: “Desperation and lack can mutate into abuse and exploitation real quick. And that’s what this story is an example of.” (Charlamagne, 08:48)
4. Broader Social Critique
- Charlamagne deepens the discussion, warning that as the American “mental health and economics collapse crisis” continues, such stories may become common.
- He explains that feelings of powerlessness can drive some individuals to exert toxic control over those closest to them.
- Quote: “The more a man feels useless or powerless, the more he may over-assert control over the people closest to him. And that's not excusing this man's abuse... it's the larger American mental health and economics collapse crisis.” (Charlamagne, 09:18)
5. Possible Alternate Angle (Speculation)
- Charlamagne briefly entertains an alternate scenario (tongue-in-cheek), playfully suggesting maybe the woman lied, but swiftly clarifies he isn’t being serious.
- The hosts joke about playing the usual “race game” but decide against it, with Charlamagne emphasizing the class and economic aspects over race.
- Quote: "This is a class issue right here. And you're going to see a lot more of this in the foreseeable future if America keeps going down this road." (Charlamagne, 12:17)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Charlamagne: “America, these are the monsters that you are currently creating, okay? When the system fails to feed the hungry, the hungry start feeding on each other.” (10:06)
- On desperation: “Survival doesn’t justify your crime.” (08:39)
- On economic decline: “America, I'm telling you right now, you are going to see a lot of economic stress, a lot of economic survival turned into emotional violence like this, okay?” (09:02)
Important Segment Timestamps
- [03:21] — Introduction of Harrison Coleman and charges
- [04:52] — News report covering the incident
- [06:34] — Charlamagne's reaction to the strange motive
- [07:42] — Contextualizing the crime with economic struggles
- [08:24 – 09:18] — Discussion of survival mode and consequences
- [10:06] — Broader critique: “monsters you are currently creating”
- [12:17] — Class vs. race commentary on the crime
Tone & Language
Charlamagne’s language blends seriousness with exasperation and wit, anchoring the segment in social critique but also interjecting humor during lighter exchanges with the co-hosts. The dynamic is engaging and thoughtful, meant to provoke deeper reflection on the consequences of economic and social neglect.
Summary Takeaway
Charlamagne’s “Donkey of the Day” underscores not only the tragedy and absurdity of Harrison Coleman’s crime but also the systemic issues driving such acts of desperation. The episode is both a cautionary tale and a call to recognize the growing crisis of economics, mental health, and personal safety, especially for women, in an uncertain America.
