Erykah Badu is facing backlash after many perceived her to be defending R. Kelly with comments she made at her Chicago show on Saturday.
During a performance at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, Badu told the crowd that she would be praying for the “Ignition” singer at this point in time.
“I dunno how everybody else feel about it but I’m putting up a prayer right now for R,” she said, referring to R. Kelly. “I hope he sees the light of day if he done all those things that we’ve seen on TV and heard those ladies talk about. I hope he sees the light of day and comes forward.”
In a video obtained by TMZ, the crowd did not seem happy with her comments.
“What y’all say, fuck him? That’s not love. That’s not unconditional love,” she told them. “But what if one of the people that was assaulted by R Kelly grows up to be an offender, we gonna crucify them?”
Badu continued: “They ’bout to R Kelly me to death on the internet, I’m like goddamn. I just want peace and light for everybody and healing for those who are hurt because everyone involved has been hurt, victimized in some kinda way. Love for everybody.”
Auntie @fatbellybella we understand your point of view and you’re not raising monsters. Your belief is simple love, unconditional love. It’s not meant to be perceived as you taking his side. I think that’s the misconception, you’re obviously not condoning his behavior. pic.twitter.com/6XWGIf4Ku4
Badu has been criticized for her perceived support of R. Kelly since Lifetime’s Surviving R.Kelly docuseries was released earlier this month.
The six-part documentary chronicles decades of the singer’s alleged sexual misconduct and abuse, which he has continuously denied. With more than 50 interviews with Kelly’s victims, it’s hard for many to continue ignoring his widely documented abuse.
Badu was among a number of celebrities who declined to appear in the series.
On Sunday, Badu took to Twitter to respond to the criticism and speak directly to R.Kelly.
“I love you. Unconditionally,” she tweeted, in remarks apparently directed at Kelly. “That doesn’t mean I support your poor choices. I want healing for you and anyone you have hurt as a result of you being hurt. Is that strange to you?”
I love you. Unconditionally. That doesn’t mean I support your poor choices. I want healing for you and anyone you have hurt as a result of you being hurt. Is that strange to you ? That’s all I’ve ever said. Anything else has been fabricated or taken out of context. - eb
