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Erykah Badu is really stepping into this problematic auntie role. While we’ve loved bopped to her music, been inspired by her individuality and even appreciated many of the messages behind her songs, these days are ill conceived. In fact, they don’t make any damn sense.
Earlier today, many of us were questioning whether or not the reports about “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett’s racist and homophobic attack. There was only one source and we were still waiting from reports from the police department. And apparently, during that time, Badu came forward with this tweet.
Given this morning’s news, people wondering why she was making this attack about her own ill-timed and weird support of R. Kelly.
And people didn’t hesitate to ask her about it.
Later, Badu tried to act like this wasn’t about Smollett at all.
But earlier when someone shared the police report with her, she responded
Honestly, I just want it all to stop. I want Ms. Badu to stop sharing these hot takes that don’t make any damn sense. Her thoughts of love and light for R. Kelly can’t be fully appreciated when they’re only offered for the worst kind of people, at the worst times. Furthermore, love doesn’t absolve people of accountability for their actions. We can love him from prison.
Then, weeks later, playing the role of victim, she questions what turned out to be a legitimate news story. For what? What purpose does it serve? In terms of love, how does it elevate humanity in any way?
In the words of our deputy editor, Victoria Uwumarogie, “You’re not pushing love, you’re pushing confusion.”
I’m not in the habit of silencing Black women. But Erykah’s got to do better than this.
