Russell Simmons is working with Harriet Tubman's family on a film of her life, days after causing a storm of controversy by sharing a parody sex tape video about the African-American abolitionist.

The Def Jam Recordings co-founder posted a comedy clip on his YouTube.com page called the Harriet Tubman Sex Tape, which features an actress as Tubman, having sex with her white 'master' as the dirty deed is taped so the activist can later bribe her boss into freeing his slaves.

Simmons faced a huge backlash after branding the footage the "funniest thing I've ever seen", and later apologised for causing offence and mocking such an important figure in African-American history.

He has now reached out to Tubman's ancestors and is planning to work on a biopic of the humanitarian's life.

Taking to Twitter.com, he writes, "The last few dayz (sic) I have been speaking to some of the direct descendants of Harriet Tubman. (Rita and Geraldine Daniels).

"They have not only accepted my apology but we agree that we should begin immediately to develop the story of Harriet Tubman.

"God works in mysterious ways. Thank you Rita and Geraldine Daniels. You and your great great grandmother are amazing inspiration. new friends."