Angela Simmons Opens Up About Domestic Violence: "I Didn’t Realize What It Was Until I Started Therapy"
***Trigger Warning***
Angela Simmons is one of those unproblematic celebrities that doesn't bother anyone. She doesn't say or do too much and she mostly keeps to herself while minding her business and collecting bags, ultimately keeping her clear from the muddy waters of fame.
Lately, she's been opening up to her fans a little more, and allowing them into her world thanks to her new YouTube channel, Just Angela. Here, she a bit of an open book, discussing everything from being a boy mom, her favorite Black-owned businesses, and her fitness journey. But one of the videos that caught our attention most, was when she revealed that she was in an abusive relationship. In the video, she opens up about domestic violence and how she escaped her situation, as well as advice she has for those who are currently in abusive relationships.
And listen, ladies: this video is full. of. gems. Full of them. And honestly, it's refreshing to hear her speak on such an uncomfortable experience, in such a mature, balanced, and wise way. Here's why:
Her Experience
YouTube
The video opens with her briefly discussing her past relationships, focusing on the one that was most toxic, or the one where she was abused. She details some of her past traumas in the relationship, and even talks about when she discovered that she was actually in an abusive relationship.
"I've been in multiple relationships for years and I had one that was...not so great. Toxic. I think we've all be in relationships that are toxic or not right for you, but for me...I guess...you don't realize what you're going through until you go through it and I know that I was going through a lot of verbal abuse. And I didn't realize that's what it was until I started therapy."
She continued:
"I'm not being talked to right, and I'm uncomfortable, and I don't feel good and putting you down and cursing you out, like whatever it is, I've been through that. And after that, eventually comes the domestic abuse. One day something happens and, not that you think it's minor but you think, 'is this really happening to me?' Next thing you know...'I've got a bruise.' It's the craziest thing. You think, 'this could never be me, I'm not that girl. And I was. It shook my world up."
Getting Whole
YouTube
Angela says getting out the situation was tough for her, but she managed to do so and find herself again.
"Pulling yourself out of it, that's my testimony, that I pulled myself out of it. And not just out of the relationship, but just mentally. I had to comeback. And coming back from that is the hardest thing."
"It's almost like, you have to apologize to yourself, like, 'I'm sorry. Why did I put you through that?' Why would I have allowed a man to put me that low, when I don't even put myself down like that?"
"I have healed about it now that I can speak about it and I'm not crying. When you heal completely, those things no longer trigger me. I really want to encourage therapy, getting a life coach--really digging into what your issues are, but more importantly, embracing them. The hardest part was accepting that this is what I actually went through but I'm stronger, I'm smarter, I'm in a great space mentally, and I am able to have this conversation."
Opening Up
YouTube
Like many women who are going through an abusive situation, Angela kept her relationship struggles to herself.
"For the longest time, it was something I hid from my friends, my family because I was going through it and I don't know if I was more afraid of what they would think or if I was trying to figure it out for myself. I just know so many women who do hide but are afraid to have the conversation, so for my organization, Pressure Makes Diamonds, I want to open up the floor for women to be there for each other."
"Women need to lean on each other a little more because the stories we have, match."
For the remainder of the video, Angela opens up about losing herself, why helping other women is her priority, and the advice she has for women who are looking to leave a toxic relationship (which is sooooo good, ladies).
Watch the full video below:
Loving this side of Angela!
For the rest of 2021, let's make it a priority to focus on ourselves, ladies. Get that therapist, learn about healthy relationships, and blissfully without the chaos. You deserve it, queen!
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Featured image by Cindy Ord/Getty Images
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Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Tubi has been gaining popularity due to its free sign-up and a vast selection of series and films. According to Deadline, the FAST (free ad-streaming television) service has seen a 14.7% growth from May and now has similar numbers to Disney+. So while many people have joked about Tubi having low-budget movies, the numbers don't lie.
In fact, I was one of those people who didn't get the appeal of Tubi, but the more I watched it, the more I enjoyed the content. They have some of our favorite TV series, such as Scandal and Star, as well as big films like the Fast and Furious franchise and cult classic Love & Basketball.
Tubi even has its own original movies and series that are just as entertaining. But while Tubi is on the come up, some of the low-budget movies and hood movies are still a must-watch. From Tubi originals to the hood movies, we've put together a list of shows and movies to add to your watchlist.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an original Tubi movie that stars Hailey Kilgore (Juke from Power Book III: Raising Kanan), Damon Wayans, and Pam Grier. It's a love story gone awry after a robbery turns deadly, and a young couple faces many challenges to make it out alive.
The Dirty D
The Dirty D is one of the first things I watched on Tubi, as many people highly recommended it. It's a series set in a Detroit club, and it has all the drama you can think of. Murder, drug dealing, cheating, greed, and more.
Black Men Don't Cheat
In this film, a young woman grapples with the death of her husband while also discovering his secret life, which puts her in danger.
Mother May I
This movie fully captivates the overbearing mother. However, the ending will shock you as she goes a little too far.
The Stepdaughter
When a young girl moves in with her dad and his new wife, a series of unfortunate events occurs. This Tubi original will keep your attention with every turn.
These Men For Everybody
These Men For Everybody is a film that highlights the tangled web of friendships and relationships and how you can't trust anybody.
Best Friend
What happens when your best friend is obsessed with you? This movie, which stars Serayah and Marques Houston, answers this very question and takes us on a ride in the process.
What's Done After Dark
What's Done After Dark shows us that everything isn't always what it seems. The twist at the end is a real doozy.
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