Taraji P. Henson responds to backlash over controversial R. Kelly post

Taraji P. Henson is clarifying her stance on R. Kelly after posting an Instagram story that seemingly compared the singer to Harvey Weinstein.

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.

What is life? 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏿‍♂️
— Jarrett Hill (@JarrettHill) January 22, 2019

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?
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
— M’BlockU (@rodimusprime) January 22, 2019

Not sure what Taraji is getting at but...

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.
— George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) January 22, 2019

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.

Weinstein didn't need to be muted because he is currently facing charges faster than R. Kelly is right now!

pic.twitter.com/mPBnU5L3a9
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) January 22, 2019

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.

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