Bilal ‘deeply saddened’ over claims from ex regarding disabled son’s care, denies all allegations
TheGrio...
The singer denies allegations made by Jamila Raegan and says he will not engage in a public back-and-forth over their family matter.
Bilal is responding to allegations made by his ex, Jamila Raegan, over the care of their adult son, Bashir.
In a statement uploaded to Instagram on Tuesday (Sept. 8), the “First Born, Second” singer stated that he was “deeply saddened” by the claims made by Raegan, who referred to him as an “abuser” and stated that she was “suffering” while taking care of Bashir, who has “multiple disabilities” and was diagnosed with autism and bipolar disorder.
In a video of her own uploaded on Sept. 5, Raegan stated she was “not okay” before stating Bilal was an “abuser” whom she has spent half of her life protecting.
“I am deeply saddened that a private family matter has been brought to social media,” the statement began. “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. 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.”
The statement continued, “I understand how hard it can be dealing with the city/ state for services, Ive had to navigate it my self, while my son was in my custody for 24 years, her frustrations are geared towards the wrong people! Out of respect for my son, my family, and everyone involved, I will not engage in a public back-and-forth online spectacle set up to destroy my character & legacy.
“The appropriate authorities will handle any issues that require their attention. This is a difficult and heartbreaking situation. I respectfully ask for privacy and understanding as we navigate this matter.”
In recent days, a GoFundMe was launched for Raegan and Bashir, highlighting the need for sustained support for both. Bashir, 24, is reportedly “mostly non-verbal,” according to the GoFundMe description, though it also describes Bashir as an adventurous young man who occasionally runs off.
One incident occurred at the Philadelphia International Airport in February. There, six miles away from his home, Bashir was discovered with two black eyes and multiple cuts and bruises.
“It was the final straw in a series of traumatic incidents,” the GoFundMe states about the incident. “Despite the absence of any care support, Jamila brought Bashir home to keep him safe. She has taken an extended leave of absence from work to care for him singlehandedly, which means no income.”
The GoFundMe has a set goal of $456K.
“As a mother and a caregiver to many people with special needs, I have accepted this path with honor and discernment,” Raegan said in a statement attached to the GoFundMe. “My hope is to create a safe, supportive life for Bashir that can serve as a model for others facing similar challenges. While our greatest obstacles are financial, we are also navigating a system that too often limits and endangers families like mine. We need financial support, legal advice, and your prayers. With deep gratitude, I thank you for any help you can offer to bring Bashir home and keep him safe.”