The Rihanna / Chris Brown Debate
Rihanna is probably the biggest pop star in the world right now, and certainly (given Lady Gaga's fall from grace and Beyonce's baby break and recent creative slip up) the most popular, possibly next to Adele and Katy Perry.
In 2009, Rihanna's then-boyfriend Chris Brown, also a huge R'n'B star, was charged with assault after battering her. A leaked photograph showed the extent of her injuries - she was visibly black and blue.
It's very rare for a star this big to be the victim in a domestic abuse case with another huge star. It's unique for that star not to suffer the punishment of a complete backlash and career collapse. But, unlikely as it was, and perhaps because he was SUCH an admired talent, Chris Brown fairly rapidly rebuilt his career. High profile musicians came to his support, based on his talent. It seemed, shakily, as if might be forgiven.
But now, something else is happening. Rumours are surfacing that Rihanna and Brown are back together and have been seen at the same social events. This week, they unveiled two new songs, on which each had worked with the other. The credit "Rihanna featuring Chris Brown" seems to suggest that on some level she has forgiven him. Whether or not a romantic reunion will follow remains to be seen.
There's a few issues here. Whether or not she is stupid for taking him back, it's been suggested that Rihanna is not being a very good role model in working with the man who beat her up. Is this a good impression to give her millions of fans? Or does everyone deserve a second chance? Perhaps Chris Brown has learned his lesson? Maybe he should be forgiven?
Here's what he did to her:
http://www.sohh.com/img/rihanna-figh...25-300x300.jpg
What do you think to all of this? Should she take him back? Or even work with him? Is it none of our business? Or is this sending out the wrong message from a huge global star who must have the hero worship of millions of young girls (and boys)?
Si.