Disabled Chris Brown fan denies rumors about ticket refund

A Chris Brown fan denied rumors that the singer refunded her meet-and-greet ticket because of her disability, while Karell Russell said people need to stop assuming that disabled people don’t have jobs.

After a tweet claimed that Chris Brown refunded a disabled fan for her $1,111 meet and greet ticket and also gave her $10,000 for her performance, the fan took to social media to explain why this misrepresentation was harmful. The neighborhood conversation reposted the original tweet, as well as Russell’s video about how this rumor perpetuates the stigma against the disability community.

Russell criticized the exploitative posts, saying they reinforce the stereotype that disabled people cannot afford things for themselves.

“I’m just here to set the record straight,” began Russell, who also highlighted her past attendance at Brown’s meet and greets. “Particularly this last tour that people are seeing pictures of, I traveled out of state to Toronto to see (Brown). Chris and I have built a great relationship over the years. Every time we see each other, it’s always love and positivity, and as much as I love spreading (that), what I’m not OK with is strangers on the internet using my face and exploiting my disability for likes and clicks while spreading misinformation. We’re not going to do that.”

Russell wanted to stress that she was not dependent on handouts just because she was disabled. She clarified that she had paid for every ticket to see Brown out of her own pocket.

She added: “Just like everyone else (there), I support Chris as a brand and as an individual, so if you see me at a show or a meet and greet, please know that I paid for my ticket.”

While Brown has catered to his loyal fans in the past by offering upgraded tickets, Russell explained that this was simply due to their long-standing relationship. However, she condemned people viewing this latest gathering as a “charity case.”

“Someone literally saw a beautiful moment of a disabled person standing next to a celebrity and decided to make up a story that is absolutely devoid of facts,” she explained. “This perpetuates the societal belief that people with disabilities don’t have jobs (or) we don’t function well in society. Every time someone sees us, it becomes a charity case.”

Russell stated that accepting it would affect her ability to afford the tickets herself and that she did not want others to view people with disabilities as helpless. Despite this rumor, Russell stated that Brown “respects her enough” to never treat her in this discriminatory manner, but would appreciate any gift he offered her.

She added lightly, “So Chris, if you want to send me some money, send me a direct message, they must not know.”

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