Drea Kelly has sparked reactions after she said domestic violence gets treated differently depending on the victim in the Black community. The ex-wife of R. Kelly said she thinks Cassie Ventura received more support than others when she accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of abuse throughout their relationship. In a new interview, Drea admitted that social media shows who the Black community chooses to rally behind. She even mentioned Kim Porter and Keke Palmer, saying they didn’t get nearly the attention they deserved.
RELATED: Cassie Pops Out With First Message On Social Media Since Testifying Against Diddy & Welcoming Baby #3
Drea Kelly Says Domestic Violence Support In The Black Community Isn’t Equal!
Cassie Ventura testified against Diddy in May, detailing years of abuse and violent attacks. Now, Drea Kelly says she thinks more people rallied behind Cassie than other celebrity victims of domestic violence, including herself. To note, Drea was married to R. Kelly for 13 years and went on to accuse him of physical abuse during their relationship.
Drea added that social media has made it obvious who the Black community chooses to support, and she believes colorism plays a role.
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“So we need to start being real as a community. We pick and choose who we want to celebrate and advocate for, based even upon the way that they look,” Drea said.
Drea also thinks those who support may who may be guilty of domestic abuse get caught up in the person and their persona, but they’ll never truly know them the way their partners do. Even so, Drea made it clear she thinks Cassie deserves celebration and recognition — but people also need to recognize that other victims of color didn’t get the same support. “We need to take [colorism] out of it and educate ourselves, because that blew my mind,” Drea continued.
Social Media Weighs In On Drea Kelly Calling Out Colorism In Domestic Violence Support
Roomies in The Shade Room’s comment section mostly agreed with Drea, though some pointed out that Cassie endured years of pain and still faces backlash for speaking out.
Instagram user @staceyangelapproved_tv wrote, “Colorism is very real.”
Instagram user @tink_tbw wrote, “Huh?! Ppl still attack Cassie and doubt her to this day . Cassie was doubted by many even after the vid came out.”
While Instagram user @pretty_brown_round_ wrote, “People ignored Cassie’s abuse for almost 2 decades…………”
Then, Instagram user @colormebabs wrote, “There is validity in what she is saying. 💔😔🙏🏽”
Another Instagram user, @pr3ttyfacekeyes wrote, “We owe all women who been publicly abused by men famous or not!”
Instagram user @_jasmine.2__ wrote, “You ain’t wrong queen.”
While another Instagram user @damnnnthats.maj wrote, “Ya do pick and choose who ya wanna decide who’s a victim of domestic violence !! Look at Hallie and ddg!”
Then, another Instagram user @wonderfulnblessed wrote, “She makes a valid and powerful point. The truth always hurts or bothers those who are in denial!”
Finally, Instagram user @shareseaa wrote, “Nobody believed Cassie til that video came out so they did her the same way.”
Cassie’s Lawyer Speaks Out After Diddy Receives 4-Year Prison Sentence
Fans last heard from Cassie when Diddy was sentenced to four years in prison on Oct. 3. Her lawyer, Douglas Widor, highlighted that even with the verdict, nothing can erase the trauma she went through. Additionally, he praised Cassie for showing bravery and strength throughout the trial.
“We are confident with the support of her family and friends, Ms. Ventura will continue to healing knowing that her bravery and fortitude have been an inspiration to so many,” Wigdor said in a statement.
