Team Breezy isn't just a gang of crazy wife-beaters and delusional, masochistic teenage girls. All types — tweens, thugs, and grandmas alike — have stood behind Chris Brown, even after he pummeled Rihanna, trashed Good Morning America's studio, and spewed homophobic slurs at the paparazzi.
Of course, no one has forgotten that Brown and Rihanna's volatile, yearlong relationship ended in 2009 when he attacked the "Disturbia" singer just hours before the Grammy Awards, allegedly biting and punching her. But it seems that plenty of people have forgiven him.
Normally, beating the crap out of your famous girlfriend is a really bad career move. And more important, it makes you a certain kind of monster. But Brown is gifted. And apparently, those who support him value true talent above all else.
Even Rosie O'Donnell has come to Breezy's defense. Tweeting in response to the media backlash that resulted from Brown's minirampage at Good Morning America, the comedian apologized for the pop-hopper, writing, "He was held accountable–he did his service–the judge commended him–he grew up in a violent home–he is only 21."
Many white rockers — and even Yanni — have been accused of domestic abuse. And though they weren't all charged, their transgressions seem to fade speedily from our collective pop-culture memory. Meanwhile, there have been plenty of other supertalented people with generally shitty personal lives, such as R. Kelly and Michael Jackson.
We're not saying that physically assaulting your girlfriend or peeing on a 15-year-old or cuddling with a young Macaulay Culkin is acceptable conduct. But this kind of bad behavior doesn't necessarily negate a charismatic star's ability to entertain.
Prior to Brown's many transgressions, the media and fans frequently compared him to the King of Pop for something other than being a fuckup. And even today, his smooth dance moves and hot, buttery voice are proof that Brown has what it takes to be a legend. He pumps out hit single after hit single, collaborating with newbies like Justin Bieber and Lil Wayne while also hooking up with old-school stars like T-Boz and Busta Rhymes. His latest album, F.A.M.E. (an abbreviation for Forgiving All My Enemies and Fans Are My Everything) debuted at number one on the Billboard 100. And Brown even acted in and produced the film Takers.
So, is Team Breezy onto something? Life is not always simple, people make mistakes, and hurt people hurt other people. Sometimes our domestic brawls end up on national television. Other times they stay in the bedroom. Either way, they all suck.
It's true that Chris Brown oozes talent from every pore of his hyperaggressive being. And maybe we should forgive his youthful transgressions and embrace his pop superstardom. But then again, maybe not.
