“Growing Up Hip Hop” star Angela Simmons recently shocked social media users after talking about a past abusive relationship for the first time.
The 32-year-old mother, along with her siblings JoJo and Vanessa Simmons, stopped by “The Breakfast Club” this week to discuss their new season of “GUHH,” when Angela was asked about her women’s empowerment advocacy.
The former Pastry fashionista explained how important it was for her to be truthful to other women about the experiences she’s faced in life, including the abuse she endured in a past relationship.
“I’ve firsthand dealt with abuse and never really spoke about it and I know there are a lot of women that are stuck and stuff like that, which is why I made my program Pressure Makes Diamonds, because it’s not what you went through but what you came out as,” Angela said.
“So it’s like, people need to tell their story from where they’re at now and not be ashamed of what flaws and what they have because I went through that quietly and like, fought my own silent, public battle because people would never know,” she added.
The “Built Not Bought” founder said the abuse she endured started off with a flick to the “head,” and then further progressed.
“Then next thing you know, things are being thrown at you so it’s like, you just…I guess it just happens so quick and so, those conversations really don’t happen with my family until I’m done with it,” Angela stated. “I’m like, okay. I’m in a better headspace and I know that I’m done and I can focus in and get therapy and move on. But, yeah, it’s a tough situation.”
While she never named her abuser, the reality TV star has only been open about one romantic relationship which was with her late ex-fiance Sutton Tennyson, whom she shares 3-year-old Sutton Joseph with. Tennyson was was tragically killed outside of his Atlanta home in November 2018.
Before his death, the pair had gotten engaged in 2016, but called off the wedding in December 2017. Angela claimed they tried to make their relationship work but she eventually grew unhappy.
Angela’s also been linked to dating rappers Bow Wow and Romeo Miller.
Since opening up about her former abuse, fans have sent encouraging messages to Angela.
“Damn I’m sad Angela had to experience that. Glad she spoke about it. I was in a abusive relationship two wit my ex. I got out of it thank God tho 👏🏾”
“Thank you angela for opening up about your past relationship. I am a victime of domestic violence to & it was hard. Praying for you.”
