On the night of the Grammy Awards last month, a female friend and I were discussing what was then pure speculation surrounding the Chris Brown-Rihanna fight that caused them both to cancel scheduled performances.
As we recalled that discussion last night, we agreed that she became extremely annoyed by my suggestion that instead of pressing charges, Rihanna would run right back to Chris … after he spends a few days singing her that tried-and-true sad song of contrition. And the only reason for this suggestion was that I was all too familiar with notorious cases of women returning to their abusers, only to be abused again … and again. I’ve even written about some of them.
But I remember insisting that Chris would end up being prosecuted, despite Rihanna’s misguided efforts to stand by her man. Because the O.J.-Nicole Brown Simpson precedent led to laws mandating arrest in cases of domestic abuse even against the victim’s wishes.
Moreover, I referred my friend to this picture that was reportedly taken of the two of them on that fateful night and explained that I see a young woman who – for some inexplicable reason – seems prouder to be Chris Brown’s girlfriend than to be Rihanna – international pop sensation.
In fact, this only reinforced my suspicion that she would be happy to kiss and make up. Because I knew that, as it is with so many battered women, she would feel “empowered” like no other time in their relationship when Chris reverted to his remorseful, contrite and pleading role (like all abusers invariably do). And I posited that believing she holds the key to his liberty would be the Gordian knot that keeps Rihanna tied to Chris.
Now, almost a month later, Chris has been charged with 2 felonies, namely, assault likely to cause great bodily harm and making criminal threats. Of course, given the leaked picture depicting Rihanna’s injuries, he was convicted in the court of public opinion long ago.
The police report indicates that their fight was ignited after Rihanna started giving Chris the third degree about a text message she intercepted from one of his ex (or other) girlfriends. And, just as any bona fide thug would do, Chris reflexively beat the crap out of her – presumably to teach her to mind her own business.
But I’m going to refrain from republishing that photo or any of the gory details because I do not believe they will serve any purpose except to satisfy sanguinary curiosity.
Meanwhile, Chris appeared in court yesterday to postpone his arraignment until April 6. He remains free on $50,000 bail, but faces up to 5 years in prison. For the record, I believe he will do time … unless he lucks out and gets an O.J. (LA) jury – if you know what I mean….
It is noteworthy, however, that when the judge asked Rihanna’s lawyer if she wanted a “no-contact order” issued against Chris, the lawyer replied, “[Rihanna] does not request such an order.”
No doubt, like a fool in love, she’s doing all she can these days to show Chris how much she loves him and, more important, how much he needs her.
Accordingly, I urge parents of young kids to use any means necessary to get them to understand that:
- The second Chris struck Rihanna he became an abuser who should be scorned;
- The second Rihanna went back to him she became a fool who should be pitied; and
- Neither one of them is any longer worthy of being regarded, supported or, God forbid, emulated as celebrity role models.
NOTE: My syndicated column entitled Financial war against Swiss and Caribbean tax havens was published today at Caribbean Net News – here.
Related commentaries:
The abuse of “Prophetess”Juanita Bynum
Legacy Note: With over 5,600 posts spanning 20 years, I am easily the most prolific blogger on the most eclectic array of topics on the web. That makes The iPINIONS Journal an unparalleled archive of informed political and cultural commentary. Visit the ARCHIVES section in the sidebar or search by topic. You won’t find a more consistent, independent voice on world affairs.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.