It's no secret: Rihanna's been through some serious emotional turmoil over the past couple of years. But even though I'd seen the gruesome pictures and heard the painful details, the extent of her ordeal didn't really sink in with me until I watched this clip of her sitting on a couch and crying to Oprah. And that's when I started to worry.
Because Rihanna isn't just some young starlet making typically young starlet-ish bad relationship decisions. Watching her tears and listening to her words, it suddenly became clear: Rihanna is a victim of domestic abuse. A 24-year-old victim of domestic abuse who still hasn't figured out that what Chris Brown did to her was NOT her fault. And that's just heartbreaking.
Rihanna displays all the classic symptoms of a "battered woman" in this short clip. She makes excuses for Brown: "I just felt like he made that mistake because he needs help ... who's gonna help him? Nobody's gonna say, he needs help. Everybody's gonna say he's a monster without looking at the source." She feels responsible and tries to take the blame for his actions: "It became a circus and I felt protective. I felt like the only person they hate right now is him. It was a weird confusing space to be in because as angry as I was, as angry and hurt and betrayed, I was more concerned about him."
More from The Stir: Chris Brown and Rihanna Prove Toxic Love is Everlasting
So sad. Rihanna is the one who needs help and protection. Rihanna needs to be concerned about herself, not the man who brutally attacked her not so long ago!
Take a look at these statistics and keep them in mind while you watch the below video:
Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
Everyday in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.
Do you think Rihanna still sounds like an abused woman when she talks about Chris Brown?
Image via OWN/YouTube
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Comments 18
wow
she should stay clear of him period
My mother put up with domestic abuse for almost a decade before she had to literally be pulled out of it. Its part of the abuse...the psychological aspect of it. The woman needs help.
And furthermore, Chris did, and does probably still need help. Abuse is a cycle. He witnessed domestic abuse growing up, and while it's no excuse, it certainly played/plays a part in his behavior. Rihanna was the victim, yes, but he clearly has deeper issues that need addressed.
It's all so confusing. She is still hurt by the incident, but then she always goes back to speaking to him, even making music with him.
I do feel for her though.
Oooh, no! Poor RhiRhi!! Please, I'm a victim of domestic abuse as well. If you stick around for the shit you deserve what you get. If you don't know your own self worth and that it is NEVER your fault and you should NEVER make excuses for the coward who is abusing you, I have ZERO sympathy.
Shit, when was this on?? I wanted to see it!!!
MrsEazyLefty, it's on OWN this Sunday (Aug. 19th) at either 9pm or 10pm EST...
Erin, it doesn't matter how long you stick around, no one ever deserves to be hit. They were in their early 20's when they started dating and were reaching the height of their fame. I don't know abou you, but I didn't even know who I was at that age. They BOTH hit each other. And please quote where she was making an excuse for his behavior.
If someone beat the shit out of me ( which thanks to my childhood I've certainly experienced ) I would want them to get help also. I would want them to stop hurting others and stop hurting inside. What would making them feel worse really do?
Just because she has compassion and love for someone doesn't mean she's wrong. My parents beat the life out of me but I still love them. I forgive them. I want them to get better. that doesn't mean I support abuse or abusive relationships.