Kelis opens up about alleged domestic abuse during marriage to Nas
Kelis and Nas divorced nearly 10 years ago. However, new information regarding their relationship has now surfaced, and folks on the internet are stunned.
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In a recent video interview with Hollywood Unlocked, the singer opened up about her marriage to the rapper, alleging that there was infidelity and "a lot of physical and mental abuse."
She explained there were really intense highs and low throughout their “toxic” relationship and admitted they “were drinking a lot” and “getting high a lot.”
When the 2009 domestic abuse incident involving Chris Brown and Rihanna made headlines, she said she decided to walk away. She was seven months pregnant at the time.
“When the Rihanna and Chris Brown pictures came out I thought about coming out, because I also had bruises all over my body. But I didn’t say anything because I’m private. But seeing her the way she looked and then looking at myself… I felt embarrassed,” she said.
Not only did the star reveal intimate details about their union, she also discussed her custody battle with Nas, whose real name is Nasir Jones. She alluded that the emcee was in and out of their eight-year-old son’s life.
“A parent isn’t about showing up when you feel like it. You can’t not show up for months and then show up and try to make up your own [visitation] schedule,” she said.
As news of the allegations hit the web, many flocked to social media to share their thoughts. Many said they were “shocked” and some even cried while watching her speak.
Wow this Kelis interview has really shocked me...
— Sakina (@sakinamje) April 26, 2018
so nas used to abuse kelis physically and emotionally? wow..
— let’s fucken ave ittttttttttttttttttt (@serrs__) April 26, 2018
Wow this Kelis interview. pic.twitter.com/uzTYEScVyI
— Lacarette (@LwandoMaku) April 26, 2018
I am crying watching this Kelis interview. wow, I would have never guessed this.
— Myles E. Johnson (@hausmuva) April 26, 2018
Kelis' story made me cry and it made me think of everyone who mocked us after Fab and Emily B were seen at Coachella together this past weekend. Leaving abusive relationships has never been as easy and simplistic as many of you want to make it.
— Candice Marie Benbow (@CandiceBenbow) April 26, 2018
On the other hand, a few were not as surprised, with many suggesting domestic abuse is an unspoken topic in the hip-hop community.
I don’t want to be get ahead of myself but Kelis might have just opened the door for a lot of truth telling for hip-hop faves. Cuz it ain’t just Nas. Diddy, Jay, all of em have serious demons that they’ve taken out on their previous partners.
— Shamira Ibrahim (@_ShamGod) April 26, 2018
The #metoo movement hasn't really touched hip-hop yet, and I've just cbeen waiting for it to happen, because the rap culture is set up...
— Britni Danielle (@BritniDWrites) April 26, 2018
Kelis' story could open the flood gates for other women who were in relationships w/ your fav rappers to come forward. Be ready
So many black men (a some others) get their social consciousness from rappers who are violent towards women, misogynistic, & homophobic.
— George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) April 26, 2018
The side of hip-hop we really need to speak on more. Cause it’s not a coincidence.
https://t.co/oEJq4ipEBj
Several said they were disappointed in Nas as many deemed him one of the few conscious artists of the culture. Fans called him their favorite rapper.
Smh I’m so disappointed in Nas. He’s one of my favs.
— Lo ❤️ (@LoveeeLoren) April 26, 2018
I’m so disappointed in Nas, that’s my favorite rapper right before Cole...
— ☪ (@dreamvillain___) April 26, 2018
This Nas news is so disappointing cuz, for a lot homies, he was the “moral compass” in hip hop. If someone said rap wasn’t conscious, you’d point to Nas. What Kelis opened up about really destroys a lot of that.
— X (@XLNB) April 26, 2018
And some simply quoted the most notable lines from the interview.
Kelis opens up about abusive relationship with Nas. pic.twitter.com/56J6kJWGUT
— . (@_Vaun) April 26, 2018
“That man, to this day, is exactly the man I married. He has not changed not one iota. I changed. I grew up. I was 22 when I met him. What you take at 22 and what you take at 28 are very different.” —Kelis
— “he do got an alligator.” (@KiaSpeaks) April 26, 2018
“You talk all this Black empowerment and you’re a fraud.” - Kelis on Nas.
— Melissa Kimble (@Melissa_Kimble) April 26, 2018
This hurts.
» RELATED: Domestic abuse victims could escape violent homes under Georgia bill
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.
