Rosie O'Donnell Defends Chris Brown: 'He's A Victim Too'
April 4 2011, Published 9:26 a.m. ET
Chris Brown has an unlikely new ally – Rosie O'Donnell is defending the young singer, who has been plagued with bad press since the 2009 beating of his then girlfriend, Rihanna, insisting: “He’s a victim too.”
Rosie, never one to shy away from controversy, made several comments on her Sirius XM show Rosie Radio, before following on with a series of tweets.
"I just don't know why this kid seems to be held to a different standard than anyone else," she said during the broadcast Monday, addressing the Rihanna incident as well as Brown’s recent temper tantrum that resulted in a broken window in his dressing room after he stormed off the set of Good Morning America.
When Rosie's executive producer implied there is a racial aspect at play, she agreed, replying: "I totally think there is, and I also think it's why he felt he was safer with Robin Roberts who is also African-American and conducted Brown’s ill fated GMA interview." Rosie added that she felt "mildly angry" at Robin while watching her interview Chris.
Brown’s anger was a result of Roberts pressing him on the subject of Rihanna – he later apologized for his meltdown, saying he got “very emotional.”
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After her broadcast Rosie carried on her defense of Brown over the internet, responding to criticism of her comments via her Twitter account.
“He was held accountable - he did his service - the judge commended him - he grew up in a violent home - he is only 21,” she tweeted.
Following up with: “I have compassion for both he and rihanna - it is not a simple discussion - layers n layers.”
“He is a victim too”