Talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey, will be devoting Thursday's show to the subject of dating violence as will Tyra Banks. Both talk show hosts saw the well publicized, violent altercation between R&B singers Chris Brown and Rihanna as an opportunity to speak out against violence against women. Neither host is a stranger to advocating for women and against abuse. Oprah has done numerous shows over the years aimed at empowering women to leave abusive relationships and helping men to realize that it is never acceptable to abuse a woman, physically, mentally or emotionally. Since hanging up her angel wings and picking up a microphone, Tyra Banks has joined the chorus of voices admonishing violent behavior towards women. Oprah and Tyra feel compelled to attempt to reach the millions of teen aged Rihanna fans that statistics reveal are victims of dating violence.Chris Brown has been charged with two felonies in the physical attack on Rihanna that left her visibly battered and bruised. It is alleged that he threatened to kill her during the beating. Brown's next court date is April 6, 2009. Celebrities have been weighing in on the incident, some speaking to Rihanna, asking her to carefully consider resuming a relationship with Brown. It has been rumored that the pair have reconciled and are engaged. In addition, Rihanna is said to be pregnant. None of the rumors have been substantiated. Many of the celebrities who spoke about the incident have noted that the allegations leveled against Brown have not been proven and judgement should be saved until such time.
I have been following the case and I am appalled when I hear comments such as, "They're just kids. He's only 18." While his age may attest to his lack of maturity, it does not excuse the beating he allegedly inflicted on Rihanna. Likewise, those who want to blame the victim by claiming that she provoked the attack are not offering a valid excuse. There is no excuse for a man to punch, choke and bite the woman he supposedly loves.
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