R&B singer Chris Brown, 33, who has a history of domestic violence, precipitated outrage when he grabbed former Love Island star Natalia Zoppa by the throat during his live show this week.
Zoppa reacted to public criticism of the move by defending Brown.
“Why are people assuming the worst?” she told Mail Online. “It’s actually annoying. I loved every minute of it. I’ve seen previous dances he’s done, and I knew what the routine was. I was more than happy to participate. He barely even grabbed me.”
Why does Chris Brown think this is OK? Singer holds Love Island star by the throat in lap dance at his Manchester gig https://t.co/NJYw65k7rQ
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) March 17, 2023
Brown’s critics bashed him with comments like these:
- She may be a Love Island star but she doesn’t look comfortable with it. Why do women pay to go and watch him?
- It looked hideous.
- This is so unpleasant to watch. Even the fact that she’s on a stage with him doesn’t stop her obvious discomfort – as she puts her hand up to his as it encircles her throat.
- Maybe I should mind my own business but, why would you want Chris Brown of all people putting his hands on your throat after what he did to Rihanna[?]
Brown assaulted his girlfriend, singer Rihanna, in 2009 in an attack that left her in a hospital. Last month, he berated his critics, claiming he was 17 at the time of the attack, writing: “If yall still hate me for a mistake I made as a 17 year old please kiss my whole entire a**! I’m f***ing 33! I’m so tired of yall running with this narrative … You weird a** n****s are the same ones that tune in every week to see Blueface and Chrisean beat the f*** out each other in front [of] the world.”
“But that’s OK? It’s entertainment?” he continued. “All yall can suck my d*** disrespectfully … Where are the cancel culture with these white artist that date underage women, beat the f*** out their wives, giving b****** AIDS … Oh. That’s right … they are your buddies 😏. No more fake love from me … Stay out my way or get [run] over simple as that! None of you and I mean none of you n****s can f*** with me.”
Blueface responded, “I’m not even going to trip on you ‘cause the message you trying to send is way off. I get it, you know — she hit me, it’s funny, I hit her back, it’s f*** Blueface. So, I totally get it. That be the most irritating thing ever. But, you gotta play the cards that you was dealt.”
“My last opinion is: ‘Cuz, you beat up the wrong b****!” he continued. “I got a b****, she gon’ fight back; so I’ma get less time, you feel me? You beat up the b**** that just performed at the Super Bowl!”