For the past few months, Kelis and Nas have been embroiled in a heated custody battle over their son, Knight Jones. Many of the reports have reiterated what fans have known for a while. The “If I Ruled The World” rapper has repeatedly accused Kelis of making it difficult for him to see his son. Previous court documents detailed Nas’ complaint to the judge about the visitation conflicts he’d had when it came to spending time with his son. The Queensbridge native revealed there were even times when he’d be forced to go several months without seeing his son because of Kelis. Now, she’s flipping the script and speaking out with claims of her own. According to Vulture, Kelis has revealed she was physically abused throughout her marriage to Nas.
The Truth Revealed?:
During a recent interview with Hollywood Unlocked, Kelis didn’t hold back at all when it came to sharing details about her marriage to Nas. When the two were together, they appeared to be a hip-hop match made in heaven, but Kelis claims their life behind closed doors was anything but heavenly. If anything, the tumultuous marriage could be described as a form of hell on earth. For the first time ever, Kelis admitted infidelity wasn’t the only reason she decided to file for divorce. Physical abuse was also a factor that contributed to her decision to walk away from Nas. The singer alleges that her ex-husband would often start fights with her while under the influence of alcohol. She admitted the cheating was one thing but the physical abuse was a totally different battle that sent things over the edge.
“That was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” she explained. “I didn’t file for divorce because he cheated. He had been cheating for two years, and I knew that. It was because, on top of all the other stuff, and then you’re gonna cheat? It was too much.” For clarity purposes, Kelis was asked if Nas would hit her. She made sentiments quite clear and even admitted she wasn’t the type to back down often fighting back to defend herself. “I’ve waited nine years to say anything. I’ve never talked about this man. Ever … Did he hit me? Mmhmm. Did I hit him back? Mmhmm. I’m not afraid to throw a punch, but I wouldn’t have started it. I’ll participate in ending it, but I wouldn’t have started it.”
Bruises Everywhere:
Kelis even revealed she had bruises of her own when Chris Brown and Rihanna made headlines for domestic violence. The singer explained how she wanted to speak out then. “I remember so clearly, when the pictures came out with that whole thing that happened with her and Chris Brown, and the only way I can describe it was like Double Dutch. ‘Do I jump in? Do I say it?’ Cause I had bruises all over my body at that time. I remember being in Atlanta, sitting in the kitchen, and I was like, ‘Do I?’ And I wasn’t ready to walk. I just wasn’t. And so I didn’t say it.’”
Check out the full interview below:
Fans’ Reaction:
Kelis’ latest claims have definitely caught the attention of fans sparking a heated debate on several social media networks. While some fans do sympathize with the “Milkshake” singer, others are wondering if she’s really telling the truth. Why all the speculation? Well, many fans are wondering why now. After all these years, this is actually the first time there have ever been reports about Nas being abusive. For those who don’t know, Nas and Kelis were together for years and there was never any talk or rumors of domestic violence between the two. Tons of fans are also wondering why Kelis didn’t mention abuse during their divorce proceedings or custody battle. Like many domestic violence victims, Kelis could have stated that she feared for her son’s safety if Nas were abusive.
https://twitter.com/MCaruthers27/status/989542917684514817
Not understanding why she came out now about this years later. Some stuff you gotta keep private the world doesnt need too know
— HitBoy Rose (@OmariRose) April 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/V1Coaching/status/989533891869495299
The Other Side Of the Spectrum:
However, others are lookin’ at the situation through a different lens classifying victims of abuse in the same category with those who have suffered sexual abuse. Like the victims of the #MeToo movement, Kelis could finally have the courage to speak out. It’s also important to note that Carmen Bryan, Nas’ other ex and the mother of his oldest daughter, stated similar claims in her book. So, Kelis could be telling the truth.
Nas first baby mama said a lot of the same things Kelis is saying in her book. So there's that
— Nesh (@BlondievsNesh) April 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/fabuLaja/status/989532864151736320
It's important that victims of abuse know their strength isn't defined by what they're forced to confront, nor their ability, or otherwise, to respond in ANY particular way.
— Jimothee Champagnelatte (@JChampagnelatte) April 26, 2018
What do you think about Kelis’ statements? Share your thoughts.
