The past week has thrown me into a tailspin. I’ve been trying to gather my thoughts into something that doesn’t sound trite or artificial, but the truth is, I don’t owe anyone an apology or an explanation.
You’ll get one anyway.
What you saw was an intimate moment between me and the man I have loved for a decade. It was recorded without our consent and released for no other reason than to satisfy the petty vendetta of a deranged woman.
I have been hurt and violated, but it’s so much more than that.
I’mfurious.
I have been called a slut and a whore. I have been accused of leaking the footage myself as a publicity stunt. My reputation has been called into question, and I have been accused of sleeping my way through the music industry to get where I am today.
I was used and abused throughout my career so predatory men could exploit my talent to line their pockets. I won’t do it anymore. I never claimed to be above reproach, but I refuse to have my hard work discredited and debased in the name of moral superiority.
Had it been a man in the video with the woman he loves, he would have been lauded as some kind of hero. But when the world sees a woman taking control of her pleasure, she’s shamed and degraded.
You can try to tear me down, but I will not be reduced to a sex object to be used for men’s pleasure. My talent speaks for itself. I got where I am today because I worked my ass off to get here. How I choose to spend my time outside of the spotlight is my business.
Our intimate moment on a private beach behind our home was never meant for public consumption, but it’s out there, so I will leave you with one final thought.
Where I choose to take my pleasure is also none of your business, but sex on the beach isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Do with that information what you will.
Sincerely,
Ruby xo
Ruby puts out the statement on her social media, and less than an hour later, it’s headline news. The reaction is mixed, with some news outlets doubling down on their earlier accusations. The fan response, however, is overwhelmingly in Ruby’s favor, with millions of people speaking out in her defense.
Ruby doesn’t want to see any of it. She even kicks me out of the music room so she can write, and I go willingly. I’d give her the goddamn ocean if she asked me to bottle it for her. If all she needs is time, she’ll have it. I’m not going anywhere. Ruby is my endgame now, and we’ll fight this battle together.
Ruby
With Liam’s encouragement, I was able to set aside my need to please everybody and say what I needed to say without guilt. It’s incredibly cathartic, and it created a genuine spark of inspiration for my next album. I’ve been waiting for one last song to round out the track list, and I think I finally have it. I pull out my phone, hit record, and place it on the coffee table in front of me.
The feminine rage flows through me, and I let the lyrics take center stage.
Verse 1
You expect queens but you only build cages
Fed me lies to keep me in your good graces
Wanted pretty ‘til she’s pretty fuckin’ mad
Should’ve known I’d be the best you ever had
Chorus
They built me up
Just to tear me down. (down)
Called me queen
Just to steal my crown. (crown)
Put me on a pedestal
Baby, just to watch me fall.
