June 8, 2011 8:27

Gabrielle Union defends Rihanna's 'Man Down' video

Actress says she tried to shoot her attacker when she was raped herself

Photo: PA

Actress Gabrielle Union has spoken up for Rihanna's controversial 'Man Down' video.

The clip for the Barbadian singer's latest track sees her shoot an apparent rapist in the middle of a crowded train station.

The video was immediately criticised by the Parents Television Council for promoting retaliation to sexual violence "in the form of pre-meditated murder". Rihanna herself then hit back, saying she wanted the video to "give a voice to victims".

Now, Union, who was raped by a stranger during a robbery at the age of 19, has entered the debate. Asked by a fan what she thought of the video on Twitter.com/ItsGabrielleU, she revealed that she herself had tried to shoot her rapist but missed. While she expressed she was glad she had not succeeded, she praised Rihanna for tackling such issues.

The Cadillac Records actress wrote: "#Mandown video did a GREAT job of getting the ENTIRE world TALKING abt RAPE. I hope tht it leads 2 HEALING & PREVENTS RAPE" (sic)

"During my rape I tried 2 shoot my rapist, bt I missed. Over the yrs I realised tht killin my rapist would've added insult 2 injury. The DESIRE 2 kill someone whose abused/raped u is understandable, bt unless its self defense n the moment 2 save ur life, just ADDS 2 ur troubles #mandown."

Union added: "Every victim/survivor of rape is unique, including how they THINK they'd like justice 2 be handed out."

You can watch the 'Man Down' video by clicking below.