This little-known story about Sinead O’Connor has gone viral because it’s so moving
Sinead O’Connor has had to deal with some dark times in the public eye and the fragile singer has had trouble conveying her real position at times, leading to harsh treatment from audiences. A story has come to light about an incident involving her and the Country & Western legend, Kris Kristofferson.
Writer, Audra Williams, shared the touching story in a thread.
She filled in the background.
In 1992, Sinead O'Connor ripped up a picture of the Pope on live television, in protest of the rampant child sexual abuse the Catholic Church was actively covering up.
— Audra Williams (@audrawilliams) January 20, 2019
In the weeks that followed, Andrew Dice Clay said he wanted to give her "such a smack", Frank Sinatra said he wanted to "kick her ass", and millionaire producer Jonathan King said she "needed a spanking".
— Audra Williams (@audrawilliams) January 20, 2019
She was 26.
— Audra Williams (@audrawilliams) January 20, 2019
It helped explain this audience reaction – it didn’t excuse it.
Ten days later, she was scheduled to perform at Madison Square Gardens, as part of a celebration of Bob Dylan. As soon as she got to the microphone, the audience began loudly booing her, seemingly in unison.
— Audra Williams (@audrawilliams) January 20, 2019
She talked later about how awful the sound was, and how she thought she was going to be sick.
— Audra Williams (@audrawilliams) January 20, 2019
Kris Kristofferson was given a horrible job, but decided to follow his instincts.
The organizers tasked Kris Kristofferson with removing O'Connor from the stage. He instead went out and put his arm around her and checked in on her and stayed until she'd steadied herself and was ready to perform. When she came off stage, he wrapped her in a bear hug.
— Audra Williams (@audrawilliams) January 20, 2019
