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Popular rapper and activist, Michael Stephens popularly known as Ruggedman has shared his views on domestic violence in relationships and why he has remained single.
According to the music star, provocations that could lead to domestic violence are enough grounds for a breakup.
In a recent feature on the TVC programme, ‘Your View’, Ruggedman said: “I always tell any woman I intend to date that if she pushes me to the level where I think of hitting her, then it’s over.
“I say that because, for me to want to date someone, it means I’ve told her everything that triggers me. So, for you to now push that thing, it means you’re poking me. I would rather walk away than hit the person.
“I once broke up with a lady because she pushed me in public when we were having a disagreement, despite my pleading with her to wait until we got home to settle the issue.
“A lot of people in abusive relationships saw the red flags, but remained in the relationship because of what they were benefiting. Also, some of them are afraid of leaving because of public opinion. It’s better to leave because if you die in an abusive relationship, people will still talk.”
The 51-year-old further revealed that he vowed not to have a child out of wedlock when he was much younger.
“I am not married and do not have a child yet. When I was much younger, I vowed never to have a child out of wedlock. Sometimes, I wonder whether I made the right or wrong decision. But still, it takes a lot from both parties. You have to do it with someone you really love,” he said.
“I have met some ladies I thought I would end up with, but it didn’t work out. There was a particular lady I was supposed to marry, but a wealthy man came into the picture, and her mother separated us.”
In a 2021 interview, Ruggedman revealed that his mother and other family members were not pressuring him about marriage despite being over 40 years of age.
He added that he would get married when he was ready.
