Erykah Badu Faces Backlash After "Putting Up a Prayer" for R. Kelly During Chicago Concert
Speaking to the crowd at the Aragon Ballroom in R. Kelly's hometown, Badu said, "I'm putting up a prayer for R."
She continued, "I hope he sees the light of day if he's done all those things we've seen on TV."
After replies of "Fuck him!" from the crowd, Badu replied, "That's not love. That's not unconditional."
"But what if one of the people that was assaulted by R. Kelly goes on to be an offender," she continued. "We gonna crucify them? How do we do this? Just something to think about."
In addition to booing from the crowd, Badu's comments have received plenty of backlash online as well. See some of the social media response below.
Me canceling Erykah Badu after she tried to defend RKelly. #MuteRKelly pic.twitter.com/hBoLtIpXBh
— 🛹 (@meechskates) January 20, 2019
I don't care how much I may love Erykah Badu. I cannot support her if she supports someone who abuses women. pic.twitter.com/UfuRQT497r
— Harmony H. (@hardollas) January 20, 2019
We have to truly watch out for celebrities like @fatbellybella sis went from telling us children are responsible for the sexualization of their clothing and is now blatantly telling us she's going to love her rapist friend regardless
— TJ (@indigotawn) January 20, 2019
Let me delete the one Erykah Badu song I had on my phone pic.twitter.com/Yk0WBLodqq
— Prudence (@Freexone_) January 20, 2019
*Sees Erykah Badu trending*
— Ashtynn (@ThatsSoAshtynn) January 20, 2019
*Clicks on it*
Me: pic.twitter.com/HxONG2ai3V
I'm finally understanding why so many hotep men who project toxic masculinity look to Erykah Badu cuz sis doesn't speak for women, she speaks for them. She's a false intellectual that's hidden behind ditzy words and chakra crystals.
— ✨Issa Damn Artist ✨ (@LoneArtistW) January 20, 2019
If you not for black girls, I'm not for you. pic.twitter.com/vcxBII6bfr
Erykah Badu said she could see the good in Hitler so why are y'all shocked she will support R. Kelly? I don't know. pic.twitter.com/mXU7odtX0q
— Patti Mayonnaise. 👑 (@IssaJordanThing) January 20, 2019
Badu has since clarified her comments, stating that loving someone unconditionally doesn't mean supporting their "poor choices."
She added that she wants "healing for you and anyone you have hurt as a result of you being hurt."
I love you. Unconditionally.
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) January 21, 2019
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
As previously reported, new allegations of sexual abuse against Kelly were recently brought to light in Lifetime's Surviving R. Kelly documentary series.
Sony Music has since dropped Kelly from its roster, while Kelly continues to deny all allegations.
Watch video footage of Badu's comments below.