Enough is enough. The persistent narrative attempting to label Kelly Rowland as a “diva” has reached its breaking point. It’s time to set the record straight: Kelly Rowland is not a diva. She is simply a Black woman with boundaries.
Recently, at the Cannes Film Festival, Rowland was seen firmly addressing a security guard who spoke to her in a way she didn’t appreciate. The media was quick to paint her as an “angry black woman” and a “demanding diva,” but the context tells a different story.
Dressed in a stunning red gown, Rowland was ascending the stairs at the “Marcello Mio” premiere when a security guard stepped on her dress and rudely gestured for her to move forward. Videos show Rowland smiling before the exchange escalated. The singer later explained what happened.
“The woman knows what happened, I know what happened. I have a boundary, and I stand by those boundaries, and that is it,” Rowland said.
She stood her ground and maintained her dignity despite the disrespectful treatment.
A few days later, Rowland elaborated on the incident, noting the racial undertones. She observed that other women on the red carpet were not hurried or spoken to in the same manner. This was not an isolated event. It echoes a similar situation that occurred a few months ago when Rowland left the “Today” show due to inadequate dressing room conditions.
Kelly Rowland Continuously Being Labeled Incorrectly
The media’s portrayal of Rowland as a diva isn’t new. After her exit from the “Today” show, rumors swirled about her dissatisfaction with her dressing room and the persistent questions about her friend and former bandmate, Beyoncé. Despite clarifications from both Rowland and her publicist, the narrative of the “demanding diva” stuck.
Bethenny Frankel, a former “Real Housewives” star, added fuel to the fire by criticizing Rowland’s actions, calling her expectations “diva-like.” However, this criticism was met with backlash from fans who defended Rowland, emphasizing her right to set boundaries and demand respect.
The underlying issue here is the frequent labeling of Black women who assert themselves as “divas” or “angry.” When a Black woman like Kelly Rowland stands up for herself, she is often unfairly judged. This double standard is damaging and perpetuates negative stereotypes that Black women have to battle constantly.
As a successful artist, mother, and advocate, she has every right to assert her boundaries. Calling out disrespect should not result in being labeled a diva. It should be seen as a strength. The industry needs to acknowledge this and stop perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Rowland’s history of maintaining her dignity and asserting her boundaries is a lesson for all women, especially Black women, to stand firm in their value. She has consistently shown grace under pressure, whether it’s dealing with intrusive questions about Beyoncé or advocating for better treatment on set. This resilience should be celebrated, not criticized.
Kelly Rowland is not a diva. She’s a woman who knows her worth and demands to be treated accordingly. It’s time to stop the unfair labels and recognize her for the strong, talented, and self-assured woman she is.