Rihanna, Chris Brown 'Reunion' Sparks Controversy; 'Who Are We to Judge,' Says Minister
Rihanna and Chris Brown have been the topic of conversation for domestic violence professionals and pastors who are speaking out about their alleged romantic reconciliation.
After the release of two songs on which Rihanna and Brown collaborated were released, rumors circulated about the musicians reconnecting romantically. However, a domestic violence incident in 2009 that resulted in legal trouble for Brown and a battered Rihanna has caused some domestic violence professionals to speak out about the possible reunion.
Rita Smith, executive director of National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, warned Rihanna that Brown's violent temper may not have changed since he assaulted her three years ago. After winning a Grammy Award on Feb. 12, Brown tweeted, "Hate all you want because I got a Grammy now! That's the ultimate **** Off!"
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According to Smith, the tweet was an indication of Brown's mental state.
"The response was fairly belligerent and didn't really indicate that he had changed much in the several years since the assault," Smith said in a statement on NME.com.
Still, Smith said the two could possibly be friends if Brown treats Rihanna with respect.
"I think it's possible they can be friends, and however they're involved again, whether it's as intimate partners or as good friends or as professional associates," Smith said. "I hope that he continues to treat her with respect."
Brown has completed an anger management program since the violent incident that took place in 2009. Still, Superior Court Judge George Lomeli suggested that Brown continue checking in with his probation officer that was assigned to him after the incident took place.
Although it seems Brown has not yet been completely forgiven for his past transgressions in the court system, it seems Rihanna has already moved past the violent history with her ex-boyfriend. According to The Dream,who produced the "Birthday Cake" remix collaboration between Rihanna and Brown, it was her idea to record the song with her formerly abusive ex-boyfriend.
"It was Rih's idea," The Dream said in an E! Networks report. "I think [the topic] that should be more on the tongues is: How do we proclaim to be a nation of forgiving…but we can't actually do it? If [Rihanna] can forgive, that's where she is mentally."
Marty Angelo, head of The Mission of Marty Angelo Ministries, reached out to Brown after his initial domestic violence incident with Rihanna. Angelo, a former television show producer and current author who once worked in the entertainment industry and associated with many celebrities, such as Jimi Hendrix and Janice Joplin, said Christians should not judge Brown and Rihanna.
"We should pray that she will learn, because the odds are that he (may) do it again," Angelo said. "The statistics are against (her). But, from a christian standpoint who are we to judge?"
Regardless of the context of the relationship between Brown and Rihanna, Angelo said it is important not to put their situation on a pedestal because of their celebrity status.
"We all fall short of the glory of God," Angelo said. "We can't keep putting people on pedestals. These two people are just two people."
