Erykah Badu Stands Her Ground After Getting Into Riff with Followers Over Free Thinking
Kanye West’s support of Black conservative Candace Owens and President Donald Trump has landed him in hot water with fans, but Erykah Badu remains supportive of his personal opinions.
The rapper has tweeted about being a free thinker in the last week, saying Black Lives Matter detractor Owens is one. He also tweeted videos of “Dilbert” cartoonist and Trump backer Scott Adams praising West’s support of Owens.
Free thinkers don't fear retaliation for your thoughts. The traditional thinkers are only using thoughts and words but they are in a mental prison. You are free. You've already won. Feel energized. Move in love not fear. Be afraid of nothing.
— ye (@kanyewest) April 25, 2018
“See. That’s what u get for using your own brain…u know that’s illegal in most states right?” Badu tweeted Monday, April 30 at the rapper.
The apparent post of support drew the ire of her followers, who quickly swooped in to respond. The result was Badu having several heated back and forths with fans. It culminated with her taking digs at the opposition.
Venus, Could you please use another word besides that ' ol woke favorite' – " problematic"? How about "troublesome" or "complicated"? I'll even take a "vexed" , "ambiguous or "dubious".
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) April 30, 2018
A bozo? Naw u big nostril ass didn't . 😂
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) April 30, 2018
Girl. Y'all ain't running shit . lol
U wanna know why I'm mad ? I'm mad cause of the over use of flower and bunny filters on your page . That outrages me .
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) April 30, 2018
That was dumb and incorrect .
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) April 30, 2018
Then, the singer finally asked what the free-thinking movement is all about.
“So is ‘free thinking’ the new thing or something?” she tweeted Monday. “I’m seeing that term a lot. Don’t put me in the s— please. I see we about to run with this term for about five mo weeks now.”
So is "free thinking " the new thing or something . I'm seeing that term a lot . Don't put me in the shit please. I see we about to run with this term for about 5 mo weeks now.
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) April 30, 2018
“‘Free thinking’ is what a lot of folks are using as code word to mean, ‘Don’t call me what I am based on my patterns and actions. Call me how I see myself,'” someone said in a response that Badu said she could “get with.”
“No one is condemning Kanye for being a free thinker, he’s always been like that,” another person responded. “[It’s] who and what he’s endorsing these days..and the rants.”
“I can see all points of view clearly. Just an observer,” Badu clarified. “Let’s see what comes out of it. We may ALL be surprised. Anybody know What’s new on Netflix?”
The singer then continued to engage with her responders. Some agreed with her and others led Badu to double down on what she meant: she doesn’t necessarily support West’s rhetoric but she does back his ability to have independent thought.
I encourage my child to speak her mind. And it doesn't anger me or make me stand in opposition if our points of view differ. It doesn't mean I have to agree or disagree either. I don't support any kind of oppression.That means oppression of the mind either. Ye's thoughts are his.
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) April 30, 2018
Waiting on the "offendocracy " to jump out the bushes and string every 'unpopular' opinion I've ever had into one lil shitty ass necklace. 😂 pic.twitter.com/RbARaH3Ox2
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) April 30, 2018
And STILL gone love you ALL unconditionally no matter what. Somebody got to. EVEN if thIS FREQUENCY OF love ain’t recognizable to you yet.
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) May 1, 2018
Naw baby, It is not only my intent to sympathize with ALL people including the oppressive , but it is also my nature. However, Never would I EVER tolerate, nor support the actions of cruelty. That would be unintelligent. So take me out of that please fam. You misunderstand. https://t.co/YedQt96t6F
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) May 1, 2018
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