Rihanna discusses domestic abuse and musical censorship

Pop artist Rihanna has addressed her past experiences with emotional and physical abuse, specifically referencing a 2009 altercation with Chris Brown. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she expressed frustration over the media's tendency to punish victims by repeatedly sensationalizing their trauma. She noted that being treated as a “poster child for victims of domestic abuse” felt like being forced to relive the experience through constant public scrutiny.

Additionally, the singer's career has been marked by various instances of musical censorship. Several of her hits, including “S&M” and “We Found Love,” have faced broadcasting restrictions or age ratings due to sexually suggestive content or depictions of substance use and destructive behavior. In some instances, such as with the song “S&M,” music videos faced bans in multiple countries, while radio networks in the United Kingdom utilized edited versions to meet daytime broadcasting requirements.