Jill Scott recently shared her thoughts on Chris Brown’s undeniable talent. She tweeted, “@chrisbrown is amazing. How does ANYBODY sing like THAT? Dance, look, Act and Rap… like THAT? Beyond gifted. It appears exceptional people have to go through exceptional 🔥. There’s nothing to debate.”

Even though her words said there was nothing to debate, many fans disagreed. Not even getting into Brown’s diss track that claimed he slept with Quavo’s ex, Saweetie, while they were together and/or Brown boldly saying people wished it was Quavo that died instead of Takeoff. Despite Brown’s talent, it’s tough to have a conversation about him without mentioning his history of domestic abuse, especially since that history includes the very public aftermath of his assault on Rihanna in 2009 when the two were dating. 

Even with all this knowledge of the singer, Scott didn’t backtrack her statements on Brown’s talent. She instead said, “I’m not here to fight anyone else’s battles. If/since women hear the stories, they should avoid that street. Therapy for every damn body.”

Scott then went on to explain her very intimate relationship with domestic violence, citing her mother’s ex-husband as a source of her own trauma. She said, “My Mother’s ex husband was a mean, violent human AND he could lay foundation better than anyone in my city. What he did with cement was awe inspiring. We got away. He got a raise and praise for his ability. God dealt with the rest.”

Users were unsure what point Scott was attempting to make, so she offered clarity, “It means that even he had something to offer. He was sick/hurt and did cruel things. I forgave him because of his trauma. Did I forget? Never. So I try my best to choose better. I’ve failed a few times but not in that abusive area.”

Fans stayed on Scott’s neck, even as she tried to explain her stance on grace, forgiveness, and moving forward. She continued, “And I caution those who refuse to forgive because they will undoubtedly need forgiveness at some point in their lives. We’re all flawed and need help.  Power to people who move past violence. The past is a terrible reminder AND the future is ours,” 

She wasn’t done, “Look. Years of prayer, therapy, self reflection, & making every effort to keep my feet on the ground has made me compassionate for other human beings. People go through 💩 and do terrible 💩. We say we believe in God; pray for enlightenment. We ARE a living testimony.”

Writer and author Candice Benbow responded, “Years of prayer, therapy, self-reflection and doing our own work *should* make us more compassionate and empathetic but not at the expense of victims and survivors. I hope you sit with the pushback you’re receiving and understand why many are incredibly disappointed right now.”

Scott did sit with the pushback and had this to share, “Walked away, came back, googled, read tweets, listened to friends & considered the state of us as a whole. Some, lead with love ( YOU gave me perspectives to consider & directive. THANK YOU ). Some a you ONLY want the highs of war. You may have your war.”