Jennifer Hudson speaks about her family tragedy

Jennifer Hudson on the Majestic Barriere's Beach during the 63rd Annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 16, 2010. Photo by Nicolas Genin/ABACAPRESS.COM Photo via Newscom

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost two years since actress/singer Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and little nephew were brutally murdered by her estranged brother-in-law. Jennifer, who has since gotten engaged, had a baby boy and lost a lot of weight, has never spoken publicly about her ordeal – until now. Jennifer is the subject of a new VH1 “Behind the Music” documentary – and for the first time, she talks about the days immediately after the shocking triple murder that left her without most of her family.

Oscar and Grammy-winner Jennifer Hudson broke her silence about the dark days following the triple-murder of her mother, brother and nephew by her brother-in-law on VH-1’s Behind the Music: Jennifer Hudson on Monday night.

“It’s all a blur, it was surreal,” the Chicago native, 28, said of the October 2008 killings. “It was like I was outside of myself — for almost two weeks straight … [I was] inside one room with just family and friends coming in and out, because of the press was everywhere and it was like, ‘Where’s Jennifer?'”

Hudson said she spent many days in seclusion trying to find herself after the tragedy, and even turned down a film role as she was struggling with her emotions in the wake of things.

“I was like, I have to get adjusted to who I am,” a teary Hudson said. “I can’t be another character if I don’t even know who I am.”

Last year, Hudson gave birth to her first child, a boy named David Daniel Otunga.

[From Radar]

It must be incredibly difficult for Jennifer to talk about this. But it also seems like Jennifer is in a really good place, both personally and professionally these days. Maybe talking about it now will help her move past it- as much as anyone can move past something so horrific. By the way, the man accused of the killings, William Balfour, is still awaiting trial and pled not guilty to all charges earlier this year.

Jennifer Hudson on the Majestic Barriere's Beach during the 63rd Annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 16, 2010. Photo by Nicolas Genin/ABACAPRESS.COM Photo via Newscom

Jennifer Hudson on the Majestic Barriere's Beach during the 63rd Annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 16, 2010. Photo by Nicolas Genin/ABACAPRESS.COM Photo via Newscom

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19 Responses to “Jennifer Hudson speaks about her family tragedy”

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  1. Sarah says:

    I like her. She seems like a really geniune person. Glad to see she was able to overcome this tragedy. She looks amazing too!

  2. Mentok the Mind Taker says:

    One. Strong. Chick.

    I don’t know if I’d have the courage to face all that she has, much less in front of the world.

    She’s what a true celebrity is. Take note, Kardashians.

  3. Eileen Yover says:

    This story brings years to my eyes. She looks great and is finding her own peace with what happened. Good for her!

  4. Jeri says:

    Admire her so much. She is brave and always gracious, never trashes people (not even Beyonce who hates her talent & for getting that Oscar).

    She lived thru a tragedy so horrible most of us can’t even imagine.

    I hope her life will be uncomplicated, happy & smooth sailing. She truly deserves the best life has to give.

  5. Vajayjay says:

    She is a REAL role model to young women everywhere. Take note *every* female celeb.

  6. denise says:

    What happened to her family was horrible, just tragic.

  7. Ogechi says:

    She is a strong lady and a role model to every young, ambitious and talented young ladies out there.

  8. Molly says:

    I wonder how her sister is doing. I believe she lost her only child. I’m sure she is happy for Jennifer but it must be hard to see her baby-joy after losing her little boy.

  9. gabs says:

    I Love her SO much. And i LOVE that she upstaged Beyonce. I bet B still throws darts at pics of Jennifer. Everyone knows they hated each other. Im glad shes in a good place and not using a tragedy as an excuse to mess up her life. She looks great too!

  10. anjasmomma says:

    Wow…….she is looking amazing!!

  11. lucy2 says:

    I’m glad she is doing so well, she’s one that I truly wish happiness and success for.

  12. Sudini says:

    I have so much love for Jennifer. And I’m so touched to know that she’s moving foward with her life in such positive ways. She’s such an incredibly strong person.

    I pray that she and her sister continue to heal from the unimaginable tragedy they were forced to endure, and that they come to find true peace somehow.

  13. irishserra says:

    I really like her dress. It looks, simple, comfortable and feminine.

  14. Sincerity says:

    Jennifer Hudson is a very grounded, spiritual person which kept her from “self destructing” during her unfortunate family ordeal. I wish her much love and continued professional success in the years to come. Her son is just so precious.

  15. original kate says:

    it’s nice to see jennifer is doing well – she looks great, too. hopefully she and her sister are able to move forward together after such a terrible tragedy.

  16. Jo 'Mama' Besser says:

    A true lady and a real woman.

  17. jc126 says:

    I’m glad she’s been able to go on.
    I wish guys who do these things would just kill themselves instead of taking out innocent people.

  18. MissyA says:

    What an incredible person. I wish her much love and happiness for the rest of her years.

  19. borgqueen says:

    I watched the Behind the Music episode and its was really nice. I cried thru it especially the part about her murdered family. She is such a gracious person and grounded and didnt let fame get to her head. I wish her the best.