Kehlani draws a line with fans after sexual-assault claim: ‘Respect me as a human’
Singer Kehlani is standing her ground after she alleged a fan sexually assaulted her as she was walking through the audience after a recent concert.
In a since-deleted Instagram Stories post on Monday, the Grammy-nominated “Distraction” artist claimed a fan put their “hands up my skirt & started pulling my underwear to touch my genitals.”
“This s— made me sick to my stomach,” they said, according to Billboard. “As a victim of sexual assault, I am endlessly triggered and mindblown.”
‘God bless you ... & don’tplaywitme,’ Kehlani wrote on social media while addressing a radio interview that went viral for all the wrong reasons.
In a TikTok video on Wednesday, the “Up at Night” artist further addressed the claim. They reassured fans that they are “good” and at home with family. Referencing their post about the alleged sexual assault, Kehlani said she has “zero comment. “
“I put it out there, what happened, so I that I can set a proper boundary with my audience, with my fanbase — the people who do come to see me out or come to a concert,” Kehlani said. “I set that boundary so that you guys can know how to please just respect me as a human, me as an individual.”
There’s an inherent warmth to Kehlani.
In the deleted Instagram Stories from Monday, Kehlani added that the audience member assaulted them as they were “being escorted through a crowd after performing.”
The singer said in the TikTok that they regret that the incident made headlines, but understands “it’s such a serious thing.” Kehlani added that she has no response to the “negative” comments and assumptions she has received since posting about the alleged event.
Kehlani concluded the post by thanking fans who have shown support.
“I am going back to my regularly scheduled program and tour resumes in January,” they said. “So I’ll see you then.”
Singer Kehlani dismissed conservative influencer Christian Walker, who confronted her at a Starbucks drive-thru.
Kehlani will kick off the 2023 portion of their tour with a show in Auckland, New Zealand.
In another TikTok posted Wednesday, the artist replied to a fan who suggested the alleged assault ruined this chapter of the singer’s career. Kehlani didn’t see it that way.
“This situation did not sour an entire experience for me,” the “Altar” singer said. “There [were] so many beautiful moments on this tour — so many moments that I can’t even count on my hand.”
Kehlani assured fans that they have a support system, including friends, family and her therapist.
“I have beautiful, beautiful memories from this chapter and I’m moving on from what happened,” they added. “I’m moving on from the situation.”
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