Azriel Clary appeared on FOX Soul to discuss healing and the backlash she receives from the Black community in regards to her fallout with R. Kelly.
“I want the viewers to get into how it feels for the person who is being discussed, ya know…how does that feel for you in your heart?” Clary asks rhetorically on Out Loud with Claudia Jordan. “For me, personally, it was quite disturbing. Majority of the backlash that I received was from the Black community, and other influencers and celebrities.”
Azriel went on to explain her exact issues with the backlash. “…it is quite important that I share this because, you know, there are so many people that are just like me, you know? Victims are not the ones that should be shamed. It should be the predator. It should be the abuser.”
Azriel Clary was only 17-years-old when she went to live with the disgraced singer before moving back with her family last year. She has been spending the time building her own personal brand and reclaiming her story.
Clary also spoke about being an advocate for women who are in the shoes she was once in. “I think that me speaking out will really help a lot of people…it will really show what is healthy, what is toxic, what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Young girls in today’s society, we don’t have those role models to look up to.”
She concluded the conversation saying, “Personally, (love) is not something that I am focused on, I would say…I’m focused on making myself happy before I can want someone else in my life.”
