Kehlani might have extended an olive branch to Chris Brown, but her fanbase is still in full-on revolt.
On Sunday, the “Residuals” artist posted a new photo of himself with the “After Hours” singer – who uses she/they pronouns – on his Instagram story.
The photo was captioned, “Twin [heart emoji] @khelani,” and showed him sticking out his tongue while Khelani cozied up next to him with their eyes closed.
Chris Brown x Kehlani at the 11:11 tour???? pic.twitter.com/OBpu50N12X
— Clock’NBreezyTV (@ClockNBreezyTV) August 4, 2024
This seemingly friendly interaction has shocked many, considering the pair’s tumultuous history. In 2016, Brown faced intense backlash for his insensitive comments following Kehlani’s suicide attempt.
At the time, Kehlani was grappling with rumors of cheating involving their then-boyfriend, NBA star Kyrie Irving, and musician PartyNextDoor.
“There is no attempting suicide,” Chris Brown tweeted at the time. “Stop flexing for the gram. Doing s–t for sympathy so them comments under your pics don’t look so bad.”
He also expressed support for Irving, who was reportedly dating Kehlani when PartyNextDoor posted a photo that appeared to show him in bed with the “Distraction” singer.
“I’ll be the biggest piece of [poop emoji]. But ima ride for my homies regardless. KYRIE is probably one of the only good guys left. IDGAF!” he added.
Many social media users criticized Brown at the time for his insensitivity and for inserting himself into Kehlani’s personal affairs.
Now, years later, this new photo has left fans conflicted. While some view it as a sign of potential reconciliation, others see it as a troubling example, with many accusing Kehlani of setting a bad precedent for her followers.
k*hlani linking up with chris brown is very baffling. seems to go against what they stand for. like girl he was on twitter saying you was faking your su*c*de attempt? you don’t hold grudges?!
— watashi wa sta (@410VXYN) August 4, 2024
and
Yikessss, didn’t he talk down on her when she was at her lowest? Doesn’t she stand against abusers? What is thissss what is happening???!
— Michiko Papi (@taco_heaux) August 4, 2024
and
Tbh Kehlani probably just as toxic as Chris. They both Taurus idk but y’all can never make me hate either of them so
— Quincyrajene (@_EnvyQuincy) August 4, 2024
and
The same Kehlani who took Tory Lanez off of “Can I?” after he shot Megan?? What hold does this man have over people?
— Shay ???? (@shaycodee) August 4, 2024
and
SCROLLING MY TIMELINE AND I THOUGHT THAT PIC OF CHRIS AND KEHLANI WAS PHOTOSHOPPED DOWN OMGGGGGGG CHRIMINALS WE HAVE WON THE WAR pic.twitter.com/OD7C0kkser
— EmM????✨ (@FormerEmasinm) August 4, 2024
and
Kehlani…this isn’t a good look for you at all. Like are you a true activist at heart or not?! pic.twitter.com/7BQbqiyyOl
— ???????????????? ☾☀︎ (@redforjanet) August 4, 2024
There was some support:
kehlani and chris brown been good for a while, yall just be shocked because yall think social media reflects real life.
we only know that chris came face to face with her and apologized a long time ago pic.twitter.com/2k5eap4Kt4
— ???????????????? (@hwloiza) August 4, 2024
and
I swear the internet is not a real place. We don’t know what conversations have been had or apologies for this to happen! In real life people can make amends. Only on the internet do y’all act like no one can ever move forward with somebody
— Autry Tha Kid (@latristan1) August 4, 2024
and
apparently chris brown is the ONLY person in the world who is not allowed to change.
he definitely reached out to kehlani and apologized for what he said in the past and they are cool now. period
— ???????????????? (@hwloiza) August 4, 2024
and
Wait, y’all don’t know him irl and mad about someone who actually does? THINK
— ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????? (@KymrenceMusic) August 4, 2024
Thoughts?
Comment below!
