Gabrielle Union Uses Her Personal Experience To Share Thoughts On Rihanna’s “Man Down” video

Gabrielle Union sits on the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women. Appointed to the council by President Obama in February of this year. It’s an issue that’s close to her heart, Gabrielle was raped when she was 19 years old.

The subject of rape and retribution have been in the news lately behind the release of Rihanna’s man down video. In the video, Rihanna is raped by a guy she danced with at a club and kills him for revenge.

Gabrielle rook to Twitter to share her thoughts on the topic:

“Saw “Man Down” by Rihanna. Every victim/survivor of rape is unique, including how they THINK they’d like justice [to] be handed out. [During] my rape I tried [to] shoot my rapist, but I missed. Over the years I realized that killing my rapist would’ve added insult to injury. The DESIRE [to] kill someone who abused/raped [you] is understandable, [but] unless it’s self defense in the moment to save your life, just ADDS to your troubles #mandown. I repeat SELF DEFENSE 2 save yourself/protect yourself, I’m ALL for. Otherwise victim/survivor taking justice into your own hands with violence equals more trouble for you!!”

I appreciate Gabrielle for sharing her story. Many women are afraid to speak out after going through this experience. You never know who you may touch and inspire with your words. As for the video controversy, I’ve seen worse. But it’s always my position that anything that opens dialogue on taboo topics like this is a great thing!

On a lighter note, how FIRE does Rihanna look in this video!