It's been a chaotic year for Debra D. Winans, the ex-wife of Grammy winning singer BeBe Winans.
Last week a judge dismissed domestic violence charges against BeBe, who was booked on a domestic violence accusation for allegedly shoving his ex-wife Debra after an argument this past February.
(Read: 'BeBe Winans: Gospel Singer Arrested for Domestic Assault.')
Despite the judge's ruling, Debra said her ex-husband knows what really occurred and she has vowed: "I will not be silent anymore!"
Why do you think the judge dismissed the charges against BeBe?
First of all dismissal doesn't mean absence of guilt and neither does it mean he was exonerated from his actions. But this was dismissed because of the psychologist. He had two sessions, not 10, but only two sessions with him. Not 30 days, but two sessions. He said BeBe showed no domestic violence behavior. But my response to the District Attorney is neither did the man who killed all the people at Fort Hood. They did a psychology analysis on him as well and he showed no signs of domestic violence. But the proof of the matter is that he did it. BeBe is in the wrong business, he needs to be an actor because he's good at what he does!
I saw the letter your daughter Miya wrote to the Word Network and sent to Gayle King where she detailed her account of what she saw her father do to you. Was that letter or your kids' testimony admissible in this case?
They would not let the kids speak. I sent that letter to the D.A. I told them, 'Somebody needed to see this. The judge needs to see this.' But BeBe's people were pushing so hard to get this exonerated because they knew my Word Network interview was airing last Saturday. But I had to tell my kids because they go to school and they look at YouTube and the whole nine. But they were furious and wanted to know why their dad gets away with everything.
If what you are saying is true, do you at least believe that BeBe will learn from this last incident and be careful of how he treats you moving forward?
No, I don't. Because nothing happened to him! There are no consequences for his actions. How does he keep getting away with stuff? Again, he's not being accountable for his actions or his behavior.
You filed domestic violence charges against BeBe before but ultimately dropped them. Do you regret that decision now?
Absolutely! I realize it was a big mistake. At that time, all I wanted was my kids and I re
ally believed he had that kind of power to take them from me, because he has more money than I did. It was a huge mistake! But I learned later he couldn't take them from me! What kind of man would try to take his kids from their mother? What kind of man does that? He doesn't even spend time with them. He doesn't even know them. They are a part of his image, period!
The Word Network was threatened with a lawsuit by BeBe's attorney's on Friday Dec. 4 and ultimately did not air the interview on 'The Lexi Show' that you already taped. How did that make you feel?
I was so furious when Lexi told me. I was so angry! I've been silent for so long, now I'm fighting back and I have been for a little while, ever since the first time he tried to take my kids from me. He's a manipulating liar. I've covered so much about him...he really ought to be nice to me. People know what he is. But if he could take my parental right from me, he would because he is set out on destroying me. But that is not going to happen!
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In a statement released by his publicist Patti Webster, BeBe celebrated the dismissal of the charges against him.
"Even though this allegation has affected not just me, but also the entire Winans family, my children and certain aspects of my career, I chose to stay quiet because I knew the truth. To be exonerated of all charges shows the power of trusting in God, and is a wonderful Christmas gift for me and my children," the 47-year-old singer stated.
Debra said the references to her children, Miya, 14, and Benjamin, 11, in BeBe's statement upset her because they were present when the BeBe & CeCe singer allegedly shoved her. Additionally, Debra said the kids have limited contact with their father.
"Benjamin's birthday was December 1. Ask me if he received a card or call from his father. No! I don't care if he was out the country, I don't care where he was. You don't have to talk to me, but that's why they have text message and emails. But he didn't even think it was important enough. I always make their birthdays a big deal. But before he closed his eyes that night, he said to me, 'Daddy didn't even call me to say Happy Birthday.' Miya had a concert at school and she looked at me and said, 'He promised me he was going to be here. But why am I trippin', he's only been to one thing I've ever done and that was only to pick me up,'" she shared.
Winans continued: "So I saw his statement, but he will have to deal and live with the fact that his children will never forget what they saw!"
Debra shared that she doesn't intend to dwell on the past. Her platform now is about helping women reclaim their voice.
In her debut tome, 'Life, Altered Not Over!' Debra deals
with that subject matter in an effort of showing women "their journey to wholeness."
Though her interview on The Word Network did not air on television, the interview in its entirety is available on YouTube.
Gospel singer Lexi, the host of 'The Lexi Show' acknowledged to BV Buzz that she was dismayed that TV viewers didn't get to see her dialogue with Debra, but it was it was a situation that was out of her hands.
"Due to reasons beyond my control, Debra's interview that was scheduled to air on Dec. 5 did not. While I am disappointed my TV audience wasn't able to view this remarkable and inspirational story that Ms. Winans has to tell, hopefully my online viewers can view this interview in its entirety and be encouraged nonetheless. I am hoping this interview will help create a dialogue for women and men all over the world that are struggling with the same issues. I am confident that after watching this interview, my viewers will be informed, enlightened and motivated to create positive and necessary changes to overcome any and all adversities in their lives," Lexi offered.
For more information on Debra Winans, go to www.debradwinans.com
If you or anyone you know is dealing with a domestic violence issue, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
*****
For related stories, read also: 'BeBe Booted: Oprah Winfrey Removes Winans From Her Talk Show'
'Shirley Murdock: Singing & Speaking Out About Domestic Abuse'
& 'BeBe Winans: Gospel Singer Arrested for Domestic Assault.'
*****
VIDEO: Watch Debra Winans interview with Lexi on 'The Lexi Show' below.
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3/19/09: Kanye West / The Dream
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3/19/09: The Miracles
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3/19/09: Chester Gregory
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3/19/09: Earth, Wind & Fire
Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Earth, Wind & Fire is set to hit the road this summer for a 30-city tour beginning June 5 in Orange Beach, AL. In addition to Maurice White and company gracing the stage will be pop-rock band Chicago, which will perform a full show before joining for a final set together, according to Billboard. The tour will conclude on Aug. 1 in Lake Tahoe, NV.
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3/19/09: Kim Burrell
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Comments: (40)
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By: ChurchLady on 12/08/2009 12:57PM
It's hard to believe that these 2 individuals are almost 50 years old. There's a lack of maturity and wisdom on both sides.
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By: BVBuzzReader on 11/07/2010 12:06PM
Both parents seem to be self-absorbed at this point. I'm extremely uncomfortable with the fact that the children are being forced to "choose" one parent over another. Just because someone failed as a husband does not mean that they can't be a good father. -- I think Debra should take a break from doing media interviews and re-group.
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By: Denise on 12/09/2009 2:30PM
This family needs counseling. And by counseling I mean a licensed family therapist and not just ministerial counseling. These two need to figure out what the next step is and move on. It appears that they just want to get even. Grow up and move on.
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By: Kory on 12/08/2009 8:53PM
There are two sides to every story. I agree with the other posters, this is a family issue. They all need family therapy. It seems that she's elluding to something.These kids will be damged by both of these adults. This is a shame. And they both keep talking about Christ. Neither are acting Christ-like.
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By: Sharon on 12/08/2009 9:44PM
I totally agree with the above comments.
Being bitter and vindictive serves no positive purpose. Venting about her marriage should not be done publicly and is not in the best interest of anyone. Deborah Winans behavior may very well backfire, but she is so full of rage she can't see nothing but revenge. Does she want her children's father vilified? If so, what type of satisfaction can she get from that? How is this good for her children? Futhermore, what happened to keeping children out of grown folks business? So what, that people are talking? The kids don't owe anyone an explanation regarding their parents marriage.
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By: Barbara on 12/09/2009 7:01AM
I know how she feels but please don't put your children through this. They are ashame and sad. They love their father. Let it go. YOu don't have to win. As my grandmother would say, It'll all come out in the wash. GOD KNWS!
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By: LadyJNewYork on 12/09/2009 11:52AM
Gheez, talk about needing a hug, I understand her fustration and disappointment in the judicial system, but my goodness move on, and she really shouldn't be putting her business out their, consider the children...Actually three sides to every story "her side", "his side" and "THE TRUTH". As time past maybe they'll "grow up" and stop the foolishness on both sides.
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By: Jai on 12/15/2009 3:58PM
when do you? I think your thinking is the reason why men of color have trouble admitting that they have a problem and seeing a therapist for help. "Putting your business out there" I think she is tired, tired of sweeping this under a rug. What do you suggest to do? Is moving on is the only thing you can come up with? I think this is her way of moving on is to talk about not to hush.
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By: Servant2All on 12/09/2009 12:46PM
I fail to see what the fuss is about. If the allegations are true, the only thing BeBe is accused of is shoving his ex-wife - not hitting her. This begs the question of just what SHE was doing prior to the shove. Was she in his face, doing the "sister-girl" routine, with her finger wagging and shouting expletives? Too many times the label "domestic violence" is used where it truly isn't appropriate. This seems like one of those times. I also see no allegations of any physical injury - that he pushed her and she fell into something and got a bruise or scar.
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By: lynn on 12/09/2009 7:30PM
Thank you for sharing your story. Now it's time for you to move on with your "Life". Where were you before you got that famous last name ?
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