Bygones ...

I never thought that I would be giving this subject more than a passing thought, much less take the time to blog about it but frankly, I’m getting fed up. I really think that it’s time to get off the ‘Let’s bash Chris Brown’ wagon, people. Yes, he did a bad. He did a very very bad. In the three years since, he has displayed remorse and submitted himself to court ordered punishment. So when is enough enough? His recent win at the Grammys has been decried by both his peers and those outside the business. Having listened to the CD more than once (thanks to my daughter being an ardent CB fan), I personally think he was deserving of the award. Everyone is also up in arms at his having been allowed to perform twice during the Grammy show. Obviously, the show’s organizers believe it’s time he return. And if you watched his performance, it is hard to deny that the boy is talented.

Again, I am not condoning his actions. I believe any man who raises his hand to a woman is a coward and a real dick and should have the crap beaten out of him by any male friends or family of the female victim. But should Chris Brown be denied a career as a result of being stoopid in that moment? I don’t believe he should. If you do, perhaps a reminder of these following incidents will show how easy the public is to forgive some for the perpetrators' trespasses …

R Kelly starred in a sex tape with a 14 yr old, Since the 2002 incident, his career has continued and he has garnered several awards.

Sean Penn assaulted his then wife, Madonna. Today, he’s a respected actor, director, screenwriter and activist.

Roman Polanski drugged and raped a 13 year old, fled the US in 1978 before he was sentenced and has continued to sustain his career from afar, continuing to win awards for his work.

Sugar Ray Leonard beat his wife but was still recently chosen to appear on Dancing with the Stars.

Jerry Lee Lewis was 22 when he married his 13 year old cousin (although he insisted she was 15, because THAT made it better!) but went on to have a huge rock ‘n roll career, garnering several accolades.

Jimmy Page was 28 while having an affair with a 14 year old but sustained his fame as Led Zeppelin’s guitarist.

Tupak Shakur spent time behind bars for his part in a gang-rape but his estate continues to make money years after his death.

Michael Jackson, accused pedophile who avoided prosecution by paying off the families of his young victims, is still revered as the King of Pop.

Whitney Houston, known drug abuser, is being honoured worldwide since her death.

Eminem, accused of domestic abuse, sings about murdering his wife and violence against gays and yet continues a very lucrative career.

James Brown was convicted of battering TWO of his wives but was still presented with Kennedy Center honours.

Kobe Bryant, accused of rape, settled the civil suit out of court and is still continues to play professional basketball.

Steven Tyler had an affair with a 15 yr old, has sustained a rock career and embarked on a reality show career.

And the list goes on, but I'm thinking my point is made.