Rihanna penned an open letter to her fans, whom she’s affectionately dubbed the ‘Navy’, and shared it on Instagram. In it, she reflects on her career, her choices as an artist and the life lessons she’s learning along the way.
“We continue down this road together, strong, united, uncensored and fearless. There’s no question that life throws us curve balls, we do our best to deal with them, take the lessons and keep it moving without regrets,” she writes. Some of her fans would undoubtedly like to see the ‘Diamonds’ singer move on from her sometimes-on, sometimes-not relationship with bad boy ex, Chris Brown.
The tragic ending of their once white-hot relationship back in 2009 has been well documented. Domestic violence, a haunting photo of Rihanna’s beaten and bloodied face, an order of protection and plenty of legal woes for Brown characterized the end of their time together as a couple. In years since, Rihanna’s ex has asked the public to give him another chance; saying that he’s changed. However, with the latest shenanigans involving his ex Karrueche Tran joining him on tour after Rihanna was just with him, it seems like the singer is hell-bent on solidifying his position as one of the most hated men in the music industry.
Some have drawn comparison between Brown and Rihanna’s relationship to that of Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston–and we all know how that ended (RIP Whitney). Instead of focusing our attention solely on the 24-year old ‘Don’t Wake Me’ singer spiraling out of control, can we all collectively agree that Rihanna bears some responsibility in the matter this time around?
I don’t know how an everyday woman would not be humiliated by the man she took back gallivanting around town and flaunting clothes his ex gave him for all to see. (The Carpe Diem tour star has been seen sporting apparel from Karrueche’s clothing Line, The Kill.) I can’t imagine how Rihanna, a global sensation, feels as she watches this unfold, while the world (especially her fans) watch on. She might portray a hard-as-nails image when it comes to Brown, but his behavior has to hurt. Maybe somewhere she knows that they’re both young and it won’t last so she’s enjoying the ride. However, with so many female fans admiring her music and watching her life unfold, doesn’t she owe herself the courtesy of not just setting a better example, but expecting more from a man she loves?
Rihanna isn’t just some everyday woman who is in a bad relationship with a bad guy. Her mistakes are unfolding on a global stage for all to see. Her career might be fine now, but with every public embarrassment Brown delivers; with every time Karrueche joins him for lunch, on tour or whatever; with each venom-filled Twitter rant Rihanna posts about Brown and recants,; she’s on the verge of alienating the very fans who want to see her succeed.
Her finals remarks to her fans in her open letter read, “I look forward to embarking on this ride with you, unwilling to sacrifice what we believe in, taking our lessons and growing from them. Don’t let one thing shake your core. Let our inspirations drive us, never steering from who we truly are…”
Hopefully, she takes her own advice, examines her situation and learns her lesson regarding Chris Brown…before it’s too late.
