Singer Bilal is setting the record straight regarding some disturbing allegations recently lobbed against him by his ex and mother of his son, Jamila Raegan.
In a shocking post on Instagram, Raegan made a simple video in which she only stated: “I’m not OK.” However, it was the caption that gave her followers more context for why she felt that way.
“I’m not okay. I’m not okay because I’ve spent over half of my life protecting an abuser. His name is Bilal Oliver, aka bilalmusic. We have a son; his name is Bashir,” Raegan wrote. “Our child is an adult with multiple disabilities, including autism and bipolar disorder. I am caring for him alone while his father continues to live his life in complete disregard.”
Related: The Root Interview: Bilal on Making a Comeback
She went on to express how much she was suffering, despite “family, friends, and community members” who have shown up for her and her child. She shared that while she’s grateful and appreciative of their efforts, she’s unfortunately reached a breaking point and noticeably ended her caption with the hashtag #domesticviolence.
“Today I feel myself in a different place. I am breaking. I am not okay,” she concluded.
Naturally, as her post began circulating online, Bilal responded, issuing a lengthy statement on Instagram. In it, he insinuated that Raegan’s words were nothing more than an attempt to “publicly humiliate” him for monetary gain and made it clear that the two hadn’t been involved with each other in over 20 years.
He also shared with his fans and followers that he didn’t abuse Raegan in any way, adding that her issues stem from the difficulties they’ve experienced raising their disabled son instead.
“It’s insulting & hurts that his mother would choose to publicly humiliate me and my family for financial gain, especially now that the state has guardianship of him,” the “Fast Lane” singer said. “I categorically deny the allegations of domestic violence and any other accusations made against me. I have not been with his mother in over 20 years. I understand how hard it can be dealing with the city/ state for services; I’ve had to navigate it myself. While my son was in my custody for 24 years, her frustrations are geared towards the wrong people!”
He continued by saying that he wouldn’t participate in an intentionally negative public back-and-forth with Raegan, out of respect for their son and others involved. Bilal concluded by calling the entire ordeal “difficult and heartbreaking” and informed his fans that “the appropriate authorities” would be involved.
Some people on the internet sided with him and raised questions about Raegan’s claims.
“I knew it I felt in my heart. Just bitterness. As a fellow woman, I can admit a lot of women are a trip. It’s been 20 years and he isn’t bothering YOU. Girl please! ABUSE ? But not together in 20 years? Girl, get a grip,” wrote one user on Instagram.
“Can’t lie she looks like she might see reality a different way than most folk,” said another.
One other user wrote, “They haven’t been together in 20 YEARS!!! 20??? YEARS???? …. Take me out the chat.”
Still others sympathized with Raegan, pointing out how difficult it can be to care for someone with special needs without adequate support.
“I find the comments very sad. When you’re taking care of someone very disabled, you are a lifelong caregiver, it’s exhausting and isolating and mentally taxing. If the father isn’t pulling his weight, yes it’s abuse. She needs help and that was her cry for help,” wrote someone on Instagram.
