Claressa Shields Stands Up for Kelly Price After Backlash Over Remarks
Claressa Shields has come to the defense of R&B star Kelly Price after the Grammy-nominated singer faced heavy criticism for blunt comments directed at Black women.
Price stirred controversy earlier this week when she went live on Instagram, venting about online abuse she’s received. She claimed many of her harshest critics were Black women, saying they often mocked her appearance, size, and style choices. “Black women, you are some of the most nasty, disrespectful people on God’s planet Earth,” she said, adding that hiding behind education or activism doesn’t justify tearing others down.
Her remarks quickly sparked backlash, with many accusing her of unfairly targeting the same community that has long supported her career.
Shields, however, publicly sided with Price during a September 4 YouTube livestream. “I love Kelly Price’s music, and when she said that it’s mainly Black women saying some of the nastiest things to her, she wasn’t lying,” the boxing champion insisted.
The Flint native drew parallels to her own experiences with online trolling, noting she’s also been attacked for her body, relationships, and fashion choices. “The more you’re comfortable with yourself, the more people try to make you uncomfortable,” she said. “Why pick on people who don’t want problems with you?”
Shields argued that criticism of Price’s appearance is misplaced, urging people to focus on her talent. “She sings with the voice of an angel,” she stressed. “Judge her music, not her clothes or her looks.”
She went on to demand accountability from those who insulted the singer: “Anyone who disrespected Kelly Price over her size or style owes her an apology. I’m tired of it.”
Closing her remarks, Shields urged fans to stop tearing down women in the industry and leave Price alone, reminding them that appearance has no impact on artistry or success.
