The Free Press
Customize the Stories That Land in Your Inbox
ForumNewslettersSign InSubscribe
In Defense of Violent Rap
As the investigation into Diddy has ramped up, it is increasingly vital that we preserve the ability to distinguish between cruel words and bad deeds. (Photo illustration by The Free Press)
Diddy’s lyrics describe real cruelty—but it is the acts we must prosecute, not the words.
By Kat Rosenfield
06.05.24 — Culture and Ideas
172
91
READ IN APP

Some time ago, a writer named Nancy Crampton-Brophy wrote an essay titled “How to Murder Your Husband.”

Two years ago, she was sentenced to life in prison for, well, guess what.

It was the kind of story where the headlines—and punchlines—wrote themselves. But if, like me, you happen to be a crime novelist, the whole thing was less hilarious than infuriati…

Continue Reading The Free Press
To support our journalism, and unlock all of our investigative stories and provocative commentary about the world as it actually is, subscribe below.
Annual
$8.33/month
Billed as $100 yearly
Save $20!
Monthly
$10/month
Billed as $10 monthly
Already have an account?
Sign In
To read this article, sign in or subscribe
Kat Rosenfield
Culture writer, novelist, and podcaster. On Twitter at @katrosenfield.
Comments
Comments are closed. The conversation isn’t. Keep it going in The Free Press Forum.
Join the conversation
Share your thoughts and connect with other readers by becoming a paid subscriber!
Already a paid subscriber? Sign in

No posts

For Free People.
LatestSearchAboutCareersForumShopPodcastsVideoEvents
Download the app
Download on the Google Play Store
©2026 The Free Press. All Rights Reserved.Powered by Substack.
Privacy∙Terms∙Collection notice