In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, Kenashia “Shia” Douglas, the younger sister of R&B star Ashanti, bravely shared her painful experience of abuse at the hands of her ex-fiancé, hip-hop brand ambassador Slow Bucks. Shia’s story is a powerful reminder of the struggles survivors face and the importance of speaking out.
A few years back, on her 32nd birthday in 2020, Shia first opened up about her violent relationship. She posted shocking photos and videos on Instagram, showing her battered face—bruises, a black eye, and broken teeth—along with clips of her jaw and mouth reconstruction surgery. She revealed how the man she once loved deeply had caused her so much harm. Since then, Shia has become an advocate for domestic violence survivors, using her voice to heal and help others.
This October, Shia kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness Month with another raw and emotional Instagram post. She shared a collage of injury photos and wrote about the toxic, dangerous relationship she endured. “I thank God, my ancestors, angels, and guides for pulling me through this warzone alive!” she said. She explained how the abuse became “normal” over time, even though it was hidden from the outside world. “I’ve been punched, spat on, strangled, pushed to the ground, and threatened with a gun,” she confessed. Shia also hinted at a pregnancy, adding another layer to her story of survival.
Shia reflected on how her tough childhood and desire to build a better family kept her trapped in the abusive cycle. “I didn’t have a normal childhood,” she wrote. “My loyalty and dream of a family made me accept things I never should have.” Now, she looks back with compassion for her younger self, saying, “I don’t see myself as a victim or survivor—this is part of my story, my life, my journey.”
Meanwhile, Ashanti and her family still find ways to celebrate life’s bright moments. During the pandemic, they gathered with their mom, Tina Douglas, to mark Shia’s 31st birthday. Shia posted a touching video on Instagram, reposted by Ashanti and Tina, showing her life’s highs and lows—from childhood memories to her pregnancy, miscarriage, and a wedding proposal (with her partner’s identity hidden). The video also included her abuse injuries, alongside happier times laughing with Ashanti and their mom. In her narration, Shia said, “Our experiences shape our realities… the pain, isolation, and heartache weave the threads of our story and purpose.”
Shia usually stays out of the spotlight, but her 2016 engagement to Slow Bucks made headlines. Though she never named him in her recent posts, rapper 50 Cent didn’t hold back. Known for trolling, he got serious on Instagram, calling out Slow Bucks with a video and saying, “Yo, what’s wrong with you boy, hitting that girl like that.” Was 50 Cent right to speak up?
Shia’s courage shines a light on the hidden pain of domestic violence—and her journey inspires others to find strength in their own stories.
