Rosie O'Donnell took a few minutes Monday during her Sirius XM radio show, Rosie Radio, to defend the singer in the wake of a 2009 assault on then girlfriend Rihanna and a more recent outburst at the "Good Morning America" studios after an appearance.
"I just don't know why this kid seems to be held to a different standard than anyone else," O'Donnell said during Monday's broadcast.
After her executive producer questioned whether race played a factor in criticism aimed at Brown, O'Donnell said "I totally think there is, and I also think it's why he felt he was safer with Robin Roberts [the "Good Morning American Anchor" who, like Brown, is African American]."
Later, on her Twitter account, O'Donnell said Brown is "a victim too" and that the situation is a complicated one.
“He was held accountable – he did his service – the judge commended him – he grew up in a violent home – he is only 21," she tweeted. "“I have compassion for both he and Rihanna – it is not a simple discussion – layers n layers.”
After some of her followers questioned how the comedian could defend Brown, she tweeted "I am not excusing him ... I am trying to address the whole picture – not a sound bite ... all humans are capable of violence."
Rosie O'Donnell
Chris Brown
