Beyoncé's Sister and her "Elevator Attack" - a double standard about violence

Solange Knowles

On May 5, 2014, the singer Beyoncé, her husband Jay-Z and Beyoncé's sister, Solange Knowles, went to The Met Gala in New York City.  This is an annual fundraiser for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. It is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive social events in New York and one of the biggest fundraising nights of the city. 

Afterwards the three were attending an after party at the Standard Hotel when Solange attacked Jay-Z in an elevator.  They had apparently been arguing over several issues during the evening. 

She went ballistic and attacked Jay-Z - pushing, shoving, slapping, punching and kicking him until a security guard intervened. 

The three persons involved issued a statement that: “Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred. They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family.”

This entire issue would not normally have been disclosed to the public. A hotel employee leaked the elevator video to the media for money. 

It's great that they are all reconciled once again.  However, the incident was made public and there is a point to be made here.  And the point is....that there is a double standard in society regarding violence committed by women.  Violent acts committed by women in "domestic situations" are largely overlooked and are generally forgiven. They shouldn't be. 

If this video had shown a man (any man) punching, shoving, slapping and kicking a woman in an elevator, all hell would have broken loose.  The world and the media would be appalled.  The Police would be called in to investigate. Charges of assault and battery would be laid.  Whatever career the man had would largely go down the tubes.  The man would be labelled as an abuser and a jerk. 

Solange Knowles had a violent and somewhat psychotic episode and yet the media and the public generally regard her as feisty, strong-willed, a little tipsy, just PMS-ing, and a girl who won't take s*** from any man.  Ain't she grand? 

Women who assault men should be held accountable under the law for their actions. Assault isn't any prettier cloaked in satin.