This past weekend Erykah Badu went on public record to defend R Kelly during one of her gigs in Chicago, despite the recent string of sexual abuse allegations levied against the rânâb artist, and the increased scrutiny these allegations have been receiving following Lifetime documentary Surviving R Kelly.
Badu made the comments in support of R Kelly during a concert at Chicagoâs Aragon Ballroom on January 19, stating:
âI dunno how everybody else feel about it but Iâm putting up a prayer right now for R. I hope he sees the light of day if he done all those things that weâve seen on TV and heard those ladies talk about. I hope he sees the light of day and comes forward.â
The comment drew boos from the crowd, to which Badu promptly responded:
âWhat yâall say, fuck him? Thatâs not love. Thatâs not unconditional love. But what if one of the people that was assaulted by R Kelly grows up to be an offender, we gonna crucify them? âThey âbout to R Kelly me to death on the internet, Iâm like goddamn. I just want peace and light for everybody and healing for those who are hurt because everyone involved has been hurt, victimised in some kinda way. Love for everybody.â
Fans expressed shock at Baduâs comments on Twitter following the concert, as was expected given the increased media attention surrounding the strong allegations against R Kelly and the increase in popularity of the Lifetime documentary that went live in recent weeks.
I really want to say how much i loved Erykah Baduâs concert tonight.
But i canât get over how she tried to justify and defend R. Kellyâs actions and reputation during her set… Iâm so disappointed…
â jacque (@jacquemarquez_) January 20, 2019
Badu expressed her opinion on Twitter following the incident.
I love you. Unconditionally.
That doesnât mean I support your poor choices.
I want healing for you and anyone you have hurt as a result of you being hurt. Is that strange to you ?
Thatâs all Iâve ever said. Anything else has been fabricated or taken out of context. – ebâ ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) January 21, 2019
Needless to say, however, the criticism continued on the social media platform.
If youâre going to show him love & forgiveness … at least address his wrongdoing instead of MINIMIZING it. Cause I bet if you left Mars & Puma alone with the man they would be UNSAFE. Just like the rest of the lil Black girls you refuse to acknowledge smh
â MS. BLISS ???? (@ajthe1ne) January 21, 2019
she mentioned r kelly and we booâd so she shouldâve known the temp of the room then
â IG: @boydonavin (@boyDonavin) January 20, 2019
It’s more than “poor choices.” Poor choices = eating fried foods everyday. Poor choices = breaking up with someone over text. Serial rape and abuse of black/brown girls and young women for over 20 years is a helluva lot more than a “poor choice.” LET’S. BE. REAL.
â Avril (@avrilnyc01) January 21, 2019
