Rihanna's Grammy Appearance With Chris Brown Sparks Role Model Debate

By Christine Thomasos, Christian Post Reporter Monday, February 11, 2013

Rihanna and Chris Brown were spotted together throughout the Grammy award weekend, causing many to speak out about the 24-year-old Barbadian singer being a bad role model.

While Rihanna has won seven Grammy awards and 23-year-old Brown has received one, the couple made headlines when a physical altercation broke out on the weekend of the same event four years ago. This year, the couple has appeared to reconcile by attending a number of events with one another.

However, some were unhappy after seeing the two seated next to one another, exchanging various embraces at the 55th annual Grammy award show Sunday.

"I wish Rihanna realizes her talent and artistry and becomes the role model she should. Get rid of Chris Brown," one person tweeted followed by the hashtag #Grammys.

Another person agreed with those sentiments by tweeting, "Dear Rihanna you are a horrible role model for girls and women everywhere. Being around C.B. you are stating it's ok for a man to hit a woman."

However, other people defended the singer amid the criticism she received after people watched her reconcile her relationship with Brown years after he physically abused her.

"I love #rihanna simply because she doesn't try to be a role model @rihanna she is relatable," one person tweeted.

Another individual thought that critics were being too hard on the singer.

"I think people can sometimes be too hard on her.. i'm not her 'fan' or anything, but its a difficult situation," the person tweeted.

Rihanna seemed to be prepared for the role model debate one week before the Grammy awards when she tweeted an image of herself along with the words, "Don't call me a bad role model then act surprised when I do some bad role model type (expletive)."

However, one person thought that the singer's lack of acceptance about her role in society was not legitimate.

"Whether she likes it or not, Rihanna is a role-model to countless teen girls who now think domestic abuse is no big deal. #Feminism," the person tweeted.