Kehlani opens up about being sexually assaulted by a fan while leaving a concert. Image Source: YouTube
Kehlani opens up about being sexually assaulted by a fan while leaving a concert.
Kehlani, who is presently on the European leg of their Blue Water Road Trip Tour, posted on Instagram to address an incident at their recent performance at O2 Victoria Warehouse, where they claim they were inappropriately touched while being escorted through the crowd.
They chose to write that they had made video after video and deleted them all because they did not want any video of them being as mad, prompted, or upset as they are anywhere. She continued by stating that she doesn't care what sexual people think of her music, performances, dancing in clubs with her friends, or herself.
The 27-year-old singer, who uses the pronouns she/they, added that this does not give anyone the authority to cross boundary lines, such as putting their hands up their skirt and trying to pull their underwear to touch their genital area while being escorted through an audience after performing. In their story, Kehlani noted that it made them sick to their stomachs and that as a victim of a sexual assault, they were infinitely triggered and mindblown.
Screenshot of Kehlani's story. Image Source: Page Six
Kehlani had just finished a Blue Water Road Trip tour stop in Manchester, England. Kehlani cut a concert short in August this year due to crowd safety issues, telling their fans she didn't feel at ease. When Kehlani was performing as part of their North American tour at The Mann Center's Skyline Stage in Philadelphia, it was cut short due to "too many fans passing out in the crowd," as per TikTok users. They stated that they cannot do this; it is not appropriate, and that they don't feel more comfortable, OK, or that anyone is safe right now.
Following the singer's post, many fans expressed their love and support for Kehlani, stating that they do not deserve such treatment from fans. Another user stated that regardless of how intimate the music or dancers are, no one has the right to sexually abuse anyone or enter their private space. Many fans voiced their displeasure with the singer's heinous behavior and expressed their support for her.
Kehlani has previously spoken publicly about their experience with sexual assault and revealed on their podcast Sunday Gems in 2019 that they were a rape victim. They said at the time that there is nothing they could say that was novel, that they believe provides a sincere perspective, and also that she believes will not divert attention from the discussion.
Kehlani stated that they would not want to add more pain or anguish, and all they want to say is, they are sending love to everyone who's on an able-to-heal path right now, and sending love to everybody who needs it. The singer added a message for the abusers stating that if they are repulsive if they apologize for the abuse. 'Suck my d—,' you get it?"
In a 2017 interview with Billboard, Kehlani offered words of encouragement to other sexual assault survivors, reminding them not to let their abusers or anyone take their power away from them at all costs. Kehlani expressed her solidarity with the #MeToo movement in a Billboard interview at the height of the movement. They mentioned that they are all women, they are life, they are the source of life and that can be terrifying for people, and it can result in terrible things, but reminded everyone to keep in mind where they come from and who they are. The singer urged the fans to not lose track of their power; don't allow any trauma to take it away from them. That's easier said than done, but you're up for it.
Last year, the singer pledged admiration for the women who came on against Superfly actor Kaalan Walker, who was later sentenced to 50 years behind bars on multiple rape charges. They tweeted that they are apologetic in advance for the fact that they are going to retweet involves rape or assault as they are standing in solidarity with the victims of a serial rapist whom they knew to be assertive, scary, and tried to twist.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
