Brooklyn-born r&b singer Justine Skye apologized today (November 18, 2018) on Twitter with a lengthy note, saying she was sorry for expressing support for stylist/designer Ian Connor after he was accused of rape by multiple women in 2016. At the time, Skye wrote, “trying to tarnish someone’s name and lying for a quick come up is never cool or funny do better.”
In today’s tweet, Skye wrote, “This is one of the most difficult and dark times I’ve experienced but life is about growth. I’m definitely not afraid to admit my faults. And I agree…it shouldn’t have to take experiencing abuse to empathize…This has been a tough lesson. But I apologize for the Tweet I made a few years ago. I defended someone I considered family at the time, but as a woman I should have never gotten involved. I apologize for being naive and continuing to be friends with someone who I had to learn wasn’t a good person and for sure doesn’t give a damn about women. I’ve always been extremely private about my life but if I can come and speak about my situation, I can publicly say that I am sorry to anyone I may have hurt or disappointed.”
When confronted on Twitter about her current status with Connor, Skye responded, “We’re no longer friends.. people don’t make announcements when friendships end.. that’s all.” (It should be noted while Skye has been forced to distance herself, no one has demand the same of Kanye West, A$AP Rocky and Virgil Abloh, all of whom have co-signed Conor on numerous occasions.)
The drama related to Connor arose from Skye’s confession she had been physically abused by an ex-boyfriend. She brought the episode to light in a visual for “Build,” which dropped on October 22nd.
There is some speculation based on tweets that Skye like/unliked that Sheck Wes is the ex she’s referencing in the song. However, in a tweet following her apology, she wrote, “never said who it was because I knew it wouldn’t matter to a lot of you.. it’s just something for you to talk about today. That’s just the reality of it. But I made a video about it in hopes that it can inspire someone else get away for their abusive partner.. That was my goal.”
Kehlani appeared to weigh in on Skye’s apology when she tweeted/deleted, “you shouldn’t have to experience abuse as a woman to side with and believe other women about abuse. don’t let that be what gets you to understand and empathize. please be there for each other..regardless. it saves lives.”
Check out Skye and Kehlani’s social media posts below.
I’m sorry pic.twitter.com/U6c7DFGWAN
— Justine Skye (@JustineSkye) November 18, 2018
“I’m sorry.”
Skye’s April 2016 tweet in defense of Connor
“Build”
Kehlani’s tweet
