Here’s what folks thought of Taraji P. Henson’s R. Kelly, Harvey Weinstein comparison
Taraji P. Henson is clarifying her stance on R. Kelly after posting an Instagram story that seemingly compared the singer to Harvey Weinstein.
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On Tuesday, the actress took to the social media platform to juxtapose protests against Kelly with those against Weinstein. In the now-deleted story, she searched “MuteRKelly” on Instagram, which led to thousands of results. She did the same for “MuteHarvey,” which yielded fewer than 30 findings.
Both men have been accused of sexual and emotional abuse of women.
After her upload, many took to Twitter to share their reactions. Several thought she was supporting Kelly.
Really not surprised at what Taraji said tbh she in that auntie age group thats gonna support R Kelly regardless
— TJ Snipe (@HandsumJohnson) January 22, 2019
I wanna have a conversation about women Taraji's/Erykah's age and their obsession with "being a man's peace/shield/sponge because society brings them down enough" but I've already hit my 1 thread a day limit.
— Mári 🇵🇷 (I'm Black. This isn't hard.) (@_ItsMarisWorld_) January 22, 2019
Somebody go take Taraji phone.
— Tre'vell Anderson (@TrevellAnderson) January 22, 2019
Lord. Taraji is on InstaStory comparing R. Kelly to Harvey Weinstein, as if R. Kelly is being treated unfairly.
— Jarrett Hill (@JarrettHill) January 22, 2019
What is life? 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏿♂️
» RELATED: Former R. Kelly manager surrenders on terroristic threats charge
Others said she “made a false equivalency” between the two men, because Weinstein is on trial and Kelly is not.
Erykah Badu reduced R.Kelly's crimes to "poor choices". Taraji P. Henson made a false equivalency between him and Harvey Weinstein. The aunties are really exposing their internalized misogynoir, and I can't deal. Black girls deserve better.
— DeAsia Paige (@deasia_paige) January 22, 2019
1. Why would “Mute” apply to people who aren’t in the music industry?
— M’BlockU (@rodimusprime) January 22, 2019
2. Weinstein has several documentaries coming about his allegations.
3. Weinstein is also going to trial over his allegations.
4. Between Taraji and Erykah “What Men Want” is a no go.
pic.twitter.com/DLzvq32VKy
Not sure what Taraji is getting at but...
— George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) January 22, 2019
Being mad that white sexual predators aren't being "muted" like Black ones is not a hill to die on.
Furthermore, the "mute" is bc RK is a musician. Oh, and Weinstein is on trial. Hold ALL abusers accountable.
Somebody tap Taraji on the shoulder and tell her now isn't the time to throw her career in the drain for defending a trash can named R. Kelly.
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) January 22, 2019
Weinstein didn't need to be muted because he is currently facing charges faster than R. Kelly is right now!
pic.twitter.com/mPBnU5L3a9
People also defended Henson. Some said she’s entitled to her opinion, while a few said her message was received wrong.
lol leave taraji alone sis is about 50 on social media she dk what’s going on she probably read her phone like this pic.twitter.com/abBJBsxim1
— 𝓓. (@deidreduh) January 23, 2019
She was not defending him she just basically said that ya'll tryna mute R Kelly but not Mute Harvey Weinstein. Or any other celebrities that sexually assaulted multiple women. A lot of people are just bandwagoning. LEAVE Taraji Alone. https://t.co/SnNrkfirkG
— .UNDECIDED (@_LeaBreezy) January 22, 2019
Y’all gone leave the good sis Taraji alone. What she said could be interpreted multiple ways.
— Milana (@TheMilana_) January 23, 2019
After the backlash, Henson clarified her statements. On Tuesday night, she tweeted, “LET ME BE CLEAR R. KELLY IS GUILTY AND WRONG AND SHOULD BE MUTED PERIOD!!!!!”
She has not made in further comments.
» RELATED: Harvey Weinstein: Judge allows sexual assault case to move forward
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
