Bri Steves is breaking her silence on the dark side of the music industry. In a powerful Instagram post, the singer and rapper detailed the mental and sexual abuse she endured from men nearly 20 years older than her while she was signed to a label and production company.
Steves, who was previously signed to Atlantic Records in 2016, did not name specific individuals but described a cycle of control, fear, and manipulation that was hidden behind the industry’s polished exterior.
“They smiled in my face and called me family while running a cycle of control, fear, and manipulation behind closed doors,” she wrote.
Fighting for Freedom
Steves revealed that she has spent years trying to free herself from contracts she should have been released from long ago. While a source confirmed that she has not been on Atlantic’s roster since 2023, Steves made it clear that her battle was ongoing.
“For years I’ve been fighting to free myself. Trying to break out of contracts I should’ve been released from a long time ago,” she wrote. “Whether they sign those papers or not, I’m done being quiet. I’m standing on truth.”
Allegations of Control and Grooming
In her statement, posted against a black background on Instagram, Steves shared chilling details of her experience. She alleged that her abusers controlled every aspect of her life, dictating not only her music and finances but also her personal relationships and freedom of speech.
“They groomed me. Manipulated me. Made me believe I had no other option but to stay in it. They threatened me with blackmail and violence. They made sure I felt trapped,” she wrote.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of her story came when she revealed the emotional abuse she faced after the death of her mother.
“When my mom passed, they told me they were glad she was gone—so I’d have no one left to run to. I’ll never forget that.”
Breaking the Silence
Steves also claimed that there are other victims and that she was warned against speaking out. She recalled hearing warnings like “You’ll lose your life if you speak up” and admitted that she once believed staying silent would protect her.
Now, she refuses to let fear control her.
“Honestly, I’m tired,” she wrote. “A woman’s voice is more powerful than any man who tries to silence her.”
Bri Steves first gained major attention in 2018 with her breakout track “Jealousy,” which has accumulated over 2.5 million YouTube views. She continued to rise with her debut performance on YouTube’s Colors platform last year, delivering “Lonely with You/Back Outside.”
Her willingness to speak out adds another layer to her artistry, showing that she is not only a talented musician but also a woman standing in her power.
Steves has not yet responded to requests for further comment, and it remains unclear whether she will take legal action. However, her statement makes one thing certain—she is done being silenced.