Should We All Forgive Chris Brown for Slugging Rihanna and Spewing Homophobic Slurs?
Categories: Concert Preview, Manic Meditations
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Of course, no one has forgotten that Brown and Rihanna's volatile, yearlong relationship ended in 2009 when he attacked the "Disturbia" singer just hours before the Grammy Awards, allegedly biting and punching her. But it seems that plenty of people have forgiven him.
Normally, beating the crap out of your famous girlfriend is a really bad career move. And more importantly, it makes you a certain kind of monster. But Brown is gifted. And apparently, those who support him value true talent above all else.
Even Rosie O'Donnell has come to Breezy's defense. Tweeting in response to the media backlash that resulted from Brown's mini-rampage at Good Morning America, the comedian explained her stance on the pop-hopper, writing, "He was held accountable - he did his service - the judge commended him - he grew up in a violent home - he is only 21."
Many white rockers -- and even Yanni -- have been accused of domestic abuse. And though they weren't all charged, their crimes seem to fade speedily from our collective pop-culture memory. Meanwhile, there have been plenty of other supertalented black performers with generally shitty personal lives, like R. Kelly and Michael Jackson, who have been met with extreme criticism.
Obviously, we're not saying that physically assaulting your GF or peeing on a 15 year old or cuddling with a young Macaulay Culkin is acceptable conduct. But these kinds of bad behavior don't necessarily negate a charismatic star's ability to entertain.
Prior to his many missteps, the media and his fans frequently compared Brown to the King of Pop for something other than being a fuck-up. Even today, his smooth dance moves and hot, buttery voice are proof that Brown has what it takes to be a legend. He pumps out hit single after hit single, collaborating with newbies like Justin Bieber and Lil Wayne while also hooking up with old-school stars like T-Boz and Busta Rhymes. His latest album, F.A.M.E. (an abbreviation for Forgiving All My Enemies and Fans Are My Everything) debuted at number one on the Billboard 100. And Brown even acted in and produced the film Takers.
So is Team Breezy on to something? Life is not always simple, people make mistakes, and hurt people hurt people. Sometimes our domestic brawls end up on national television. Other times they stay in the bedroom. Either way, they all suck.
It's true that Chris Brown oozes talent from every pore of his hyper-aggressive being. So maybe we should just forgive his youthful transgressions and embrace his pop superstardom. But then again, maybe not.
Chris Brown with T-Pain and Tyga. Wednesday, October 5. American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $36.75 to $147.75 plus fees via ticketmaster.com. Call 786-777-1000 or visit aaarena.com.
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