Earlier this year, the world was shocked at the death of Glee star Naya Rivera. Having gone out onto a California lake in a small boat in July, she is believed to have saved her young son, Josey, from the water, pushing him back into the vessel before disappearing. Naya’s death devastated her fans, but more importantly left her family and friends in mourning.
Mere months later, social media went into meltdown over photographs of Naya’s sister – Nickayla – holding hands with Naya’s ex-husband Ryan Dorsey. Last night, many Twitter users expressed their disdain at the fact that the pair could embark on a romance, calling it strange, weird and disrespectful. The backlash has led to Nickayla coming forward via her Instagram stories.
'In the darkest time of my life, the only thing that is important is my friends & family,' she wrote. 'Showing up for my nephew even though I can't show up for myself.'
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‘I’m not concerned with the ways things look because no one can see each agonizing moment we all endure. What matters most I've learned, is to show compassion, not to judge others and never take a moment for granted. I hope you all can do the same.'
In other words, ‘mind your own business.’ It is sad that a woman grieving her late sister has felt obliged to address an unconfirmed rumour in this way. Reports suggest that she and Ryan are living together with Josey, giving him much needed support and care at an impossibly difficult time. The death of a loved one, particularly in this tragic manner, is a horrible situation that introduces horrendous pressure. No one can put themselves in Nickayla's or Ryan's shoes. If one cannot relate, then one cannot really condemn. We should leave them be.
Are they together? Perhaps. Is this a good idea? It’s really none of our business. We need to allow them to grieve, find strength via whatever means seem right to them, and put Naya’s son first. That is the best way to serve his late mother’s memory.
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