[Mz K]

I think i told you guys that Pepa was writing a book and in her book she talks about how she was molested and her abuse in her marriages. I never knew Pepa used to cut her wrist. I thought she was an happy woman with trouble attitude (which eventually come to find out was the cause of it). Here's a short interview with essence where she talks about her marriage with Treach from naughty by nature (whom she has a daughter with) and other stuff.

It's amazing how many people talk about the crap they went through and wow i'm happy i am not a star having to cover all that

ESSENCE.COM: Not even the child molestation you endured?
PEPA: I didn't know how she would take it. I even feel embarrassed about cutting my wrists and what people might think about that, but I know I had to tell my story despite what everyone's reactions might be.

ESSENCE.COM: Are you aware that self-mutilation has been associated with rape and molestation victims?
PEPA: Are you serious? No, this is my first time hearing that. I thought no one did that but me.

ESSENCE.COM: You said that Iyanla Vanzant asked you how old you were when you were molested, because she associated your chronic lateness with that specific victimization. Have you become more prompt?
PEPA: Yes, that was the first time I had heard that chronic lateness could be a result of life traumas and trying to seize control. But I'm proud to say that in the past year I've made it my business not to be late.

SSENCE.COM: You detail your stormy marriage to Anthony 'Treach' Criss, from Naughty by Nature, and the years of abuse he put you through. Have you ever had an opportunity to talk to him, post-divorce, about how it affected you?
PEPA: No, and honestly, he's the one person I'm nervous about reading this, but I had to do it. How do I not tell that part of my life story? This book is not so much about my abuse, but my road to recovery.

ESSENCE.COM: For years, there had been industry whisperings about you and Treach's tumultuous marriage. Has he ever reached out to you to apologize? PEPA: No, and I want to make it clear it is what it is. From what I know, people grow and that might have been who he was in the past. I can't speak for who he is now. Hopefully, this was then. He really is a great father to his kids. I don't want to make him out to be the bad guy. Again, the real story I wanted to tell is more about why I allowed these things to happen to me.

ESSENCE.COM: Understood, and anyone can appreciate that. There's no question that we're all a work in progress. Where are you on your road to recovery?
PEPA: Honestly, I'm really there. Of course, you're always open for improvement. But when I think about the type of person I was and how I viewed life, I'm like, 100 percent. I'm nowhere near where I was before this personal journey. Again, there's always room to grow and I'll continue to do that. Finally, I'm not fronting. Now, I'm so on point and have finally figured me out. People always say they want this kind of [self-actualization] and knowing our self-worth. I'm in a good place, and I really feel like I'm on my A-game right now.

ESSENCE.COM: That's truly a blessing. In your book you say that your decision to change your patterns with abusive relationships had to do with your son, Tyran, and Egypt, your daughter with Treach. Did they ever witness the physical abuse and question you about it?
PEPA: No, never physical, but they were often present during yelling and screaming matches. People forget that verbal abuse is equally unhealthy. My kids used to see me crying and depressed all the time, and that can affect kids as well. Now, if I get a little down or sad and my daughter notices and asks whether I'm okay, I say, "Yes, I'm fine. Mommy's just trying to figure something out." She doesn't like it when I act antsy or confused, so I have to say to myself, Okay, let me relax. And my son is at the age where I can talk with him now.

Read the rest