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It’s no secret that Taraji P. Henson has a no nonsense persona, but in her new memoir, she reminds us that even the “strongest” Black woman can be a victim of interpartner violence.

The Empire star shares her experiences about domestic violence in her upcoming book Around the Way Girl. She writes about the abuse she endured by her ex-boyfriend William “Mark” Johnson, the father of her child, and how they broke up afterwards, says the New York Daily News.

 

The next thing I knew, Mark’s balled-up fist was coming straight for my face. I fell onto the bed crying and holding my mouth; blood seeped off my lips and across my teeth. Droplets splashed across my shoes … slowly creeping into the fibers of my suede boots,” the Golden Globe winner wrote.

Shocked, Henson screamed, “This is over! Get your s— and get out!

Although her father encouraged her to reconcile with him, Henson was adamant that she couldn’t stay.

With that separation, my forever man, my first love, was no more.”

Sadly in 2003, Johnson was murdered at age 34.

As previously reported, in April it was announced that Henson would team up with publishing powerhouse Simon & Schuster’s to pen her life story. The book will be about Henson’s life growing up in a rough neighborhood of Washington, D.C., her close family, the challenges of raising a son as a single mom and her ascent from aspiring star to award-winning It-Girl.

I’m just a girl who went to Hollywood with my son, $700, and a dream,” Henson said in a statement.

There were some detours along the way, some heartache, and a whole lot of hustle. My family, friends, and fans always keep it real with me. Know that I’m going to keep it real with you. Check out my story. I hope you laugh with me and cry with me and maybe get a little bit inspired.”

Given Henson’s down-to-earth nature and sense of humor, we bank that anyone can relate to her story of resilience and success. Her anticipated memoir, hit shelves October 11th.

BEAUTIES: Will you be reading?

RELATED LINKS:

Taraji P. Henson: ‘Women Gotta Understand, We Work Better Together’

The Homegirl’s Guide To Season 3 Of ‘Empire’

#TeamClapback: Taraji, Vivica And Jussie All Have Words For 50 Cent

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