Taraji P. Henson Receives Backlash After Comparing #MuteRKelly Movement to Harvey Weinstein
Not everyone is happy with Taraji P. Henson.
The Empire actress received backlash after she took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday to compare the #MuteRKelly movement to Harvey Weinstein. The R. Kelly hashtag began in the wake of Surviving R. Kelly.The Lifetime docuseries tells the stories of several women alleging they were abused by the singer and producer. He has denied all allegations of abuse.
Henson appeared to question why the defamed movie producer was not receiving the same "#Mute" treatment as the rapper, as he too has been accused of sexually abusing women throughout his career. In the series of clips, she searches "#MuteRKelly" and sees a slew of posts. She then tries #MuteWeinsten to only find one post, and #MuteHarveyWeinstein only has 29 posts.
People on social media were not fans of Henson's logic, taking to Twitter to share their thoughts.
1. Why would “Mute” apply to people who aren’t in the music industry?
2. Weinstein has several documentaries coming about his allegations.
3. Weinstein is also going to trial over his allegations.
4. Between Taraji and Erykah “What Men Want” is a no go.
pic.twitter.com/DLzvq32VKy— M’BlockU (@rodimusprime) January 22, 2019
Can someone tell Taraji that the #MuteRKelly hashtag is a double entendre? It was used for R. Kelly because he’s a musician. The lack of its use for Harvey Weinstein isn’t an accurate reflection of... anything really.
— Kris Sanchez (@KrisSanchez) January 22, 2019
All of us watching Taraji’s instastory pic.twitter.com/VbcmMY3t7U
— Kayla Marie (@Maria_Giesela) January 22, 2019
Yall.....Taraji P Henson done lost her entire mind....I... pic.twitter.com/8CuLCy19h2
— future librarian ?? (@blkbravado) January 22, 2019
Harvey Weinstein has been booked, charged, etc. the purpose of #MuteRKelly is to silence his music. For him to be held accountable for his actions. I really need taraji to know better. Unbelievable.
— Krissy Brierre-Davis (@krissys_kitchen) January 22, 2019
Taraji, why? pic.twitter.com/6a4CenaNg3
— Johnetta Elzie (@Nettaaaaaaaa) January 22, 2019
Taraji’s IG story is stupid considering Weinstein has pending charges whereas R Kelly only has a hashtag.
— Kiara (@Kiara865) January 22, 2019
Y’all please go look at Taraji’s IG story cause I know I’m not buggin, I knowwww she’s not implying what I think she’s implying
— Gabriella (@MissGL__) January 22, 2019
Surviving R. Kelly showrunner, Dream Hampton, also posted a lengthy response to Henson. "No idea why Taraji Henson wouldn't know that there are not one, but two projects abt Harvey Weinstein. But this is an oft-invoked deflection. While I care abt the Hollywood stars Weinstein abused, I care more abt Asante, Kitty, Jerhona, Lisette, Azriel & Joy & others, even more," she began. "Plus Weinstein is on trial. For rape."
No idea why Taraji Henson wouldn't know that there are not one, but two projects abt Harvey Weinstein. But this is an oft-invoked deflection. While I care abt the Hollywood stars Weinstein abused, I care more abt Asante, Kitty, Jerhona, Lisette, Azriel & Joy & others, even more.
— dream hampton (@dreamhampton) January 22, 2019
"Plus, you don't really care about Weinstein, you just want silence around R. Kelly," she continued. "Taraji, like me, is from the generation whose job it was to deal with R. Kelly 20 years ago. We didn't and countless girls were harmed because of our inaction. So I made #SurvivingRKellly."
Plus, you don't really care about Weinstein, you just want silence around R. Kelly. Taraji, like me, is from the generation whose job it was to deal with R. Kelly 20 years ago. We didn't and countless girls were harmed because of our inaction. So I made #SurvivingRKellly
— dream hampton (@dreamhampton) January 22, 2019
Meanwhile, Henson took notice of the negative attention she was receiving and tweeted: "LET ME BE CLEAR R. KELLY IS GUILTY AND WRONG AND SHOULD BE MUTED PERIOD!!!!!"
LET ME BE CLEAR R. KELLY IS GUILTY AND WRONG AND SHOULD BE MUTED PERIOD!!!!! 💋💋💋
— Taraji P. Henson (@TherealTaraji) January 22, 2019
As for Weinstein, while he has not been "muted," he was fired from his company. The #MeToo movement was created, as was Time's Up, and he ended up being arrested, and charged with rape.
Just last month another sexual assault case against the businessman moved forward. Judge James Burke ruled on Dec. 20, after a flurry of court papers in which Weinstein's lawyers said the case has devolved into chaos, and prosecutors argued there was ample evidence to move forward to trial.
For more on the case, watch below.
RELATED CONTENT:
R. Kelly and Sony Music Reportedly Part Ways Following Controversy
R. Kelly’s Chicago Studio Visited By City Inspectors, Evidence of Residential Use Discovered
Related Articles:
