Gabrielle Union: “I Tried to Shoot My Rapist”

Rihanna’s latest music video, “Man Down,” has set off a number of critics who slammed the storyline of a woman shooting a man who sexually assaulted her. However, for actress Gabrielle Union, the topic is more than just a story.

Union, who was raped when she was 19-years-old, understands the desire to kill an attacker. The actress took to her Twitter account and reflected on her traumatic incident. “Saw 'Man Down' by Rihanna," she wrote. "Every victim/survivor of rape is unique, including how they THINK they’d like justice to be handed out. During my rape I tried to shoot my rapist, but I missed. Over the years I realized that killing my rapist would’ve added insult to injury. The DESIRE to kill someone who abused/raped you is understandable, but unless it’s self defense in the moment to save your life, [it] just ADDS to your troubles #mandown. I repeat SELF DEFENSE to save yourself/protect yourself, I’m ALL for. Otherwise victim/survivor taking justice into your own hands with violence equals more trouble for you!!”

Union's rapist turned himself in to cops and he was sentenced to 33 years behind bars.

For all the controversy surrounding Rihanna’s video, the pop star sparked a dialogue about a very real issue that affects women every day. Now that Gabrielle has put a face to the issue, does that sway your opinion of the video?

(Photo: Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup)