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Vindicated: Confessions of a Video Vixen, Ten Years Later
For a decade, Confessions of a Video Vixen author Karrine Steffans and the details of her private life have been the subject of debate and scrutiny. But, as gossipmongers and critics speculated, assumed, and manufactured tall tales about the New York Times bestselling author, Karrine hid herself and her truth from the world, imprisoned by an abusive marriage and the judgments of society.In Confessions of a Video Vixen, Ten Years Later, Karrine takes readers into the belly of the beast as she harrowingly chronicles the systematic breakdown of her mind, body, and spirit at the hand of one man and the events that propelled her back to prosperity after losing everything. She candidly shares her struggle to be what others demand, her obsession with the American dream, her desperation to appear normal, the lengths to which she went, and the price she paid for it all. This dark, long journey into the life of an abused and tormented woman, wife, and mother uncovers a long-guarded set of painful personal truths, reveals the inspiring details of her life-saving triumph, and will change everything you thought you knew about Karrine Steffans.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
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500 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 31, 2015
I will admit that sometimes I start a book with a great deal of skepticism about its content and this was definitely the case with Vindicated. I read Karrine’s first book where she detailed her so-called exploits with some of hip hop’s biggest names so I had mixed feelings going into this one. A part of me applauded her for behaving in a manner that many men do without any apologies and another part of me thought her behavior was a cry for help.
In Vindicated some answers were given to Karrine and her psyche. In detail, Karrine shares what I assume are diary entries and her memories from the past few years which included her marriage to a well-known actor as well as ongoing relationships with two well-known rappers. Her marriage signifies what is a common cycle amongst women in physical and/or emotional abusive relationships. They know they should leave but something (maybe the hope of change in their partner’s behavior, low self-esteem, fear of the unknown, etc.) causes them to stay and Karrine was no different.
I was torn between rating this book a 3 or 4. I choose to give it a 4 because Vindicated was a brave book for Karrine to share with the world especially because that meant exposing her faults and her own weaknesses. And, while most of the story centers on the mind games her husband played on her and the physical abuse, one thing that stood out to me is that while she was weak for her husband, she was quite strong and wanted others to play along and be completely fine with her being at Lil Wayne’s beck and call. And, this leads to another issue I had with this book: she doesn’t mind calling out Lil Wayne and Bow Wow by name (maybe she needed that name recognition to sell the book), but she gives a pseudonym to her abusive husband (Darius McCrary from Family Matters) and the man who paid her for sex (I am assuming it is Bill Maher) which leads me to believe that a part of her still wants to protect them. Overall, Vindicated can serve as inspiration for other victims of abuse to break free and tell their stories and for that I applaud Karrine Steffans for sharing her story with the world.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Vindicated in exchange for an honest review.
In Vindicated some answers were given to Karrine and her psyche. In detail, Karrine shares what I assume are diary entries and her memories from the past few years which included her marriage to a well-known actor as well as ongoing relationships with two well-known rappers. Her marriage signifies what is a common cycle amongst women in physical and/or emotional abusive relationships. They know they should leave but something (maybe the hope of change in their partner’s behavior, low self-esteem, fear of the unknown, etc.) causes them to stay and Karrine was no different.
I was torn between rating this book a 3 or 4. I choose to give it a 4 because Vindicated was a brave book for Karrine to share with the world especially because that meant exposing her faults and her own weaknesses. And, while most of the story centers on the mind games her husband played on her and the physical abuse, one thing that stood out to me is that while she was weak for her husband, she was quite strong and wanted others to play along and be completely fine with her being at Lil Wayne’s beck and call. And, this leads to another issue I had with this book: she doesn’t mind calling out Lil Wayne and Bow Wow by name (maybe she needed that name recognition to sell the book), but she gives a pseudonym to her abusive husband (Darius McCrary from Family Matters) and the man who paid her for sex (I am assuming it is Bill Maher) which leads me to believe that a part of her still wants to protect them. Overall, Vindicated can serve as inspiration for other victims of abuse to break free and tell their stories and for that I applaud Karrine Steffans for sharing her story with the world.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Vindicated in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2016
I read this with a certain schadenfreude in that no matter how bad my love life is, it's not this bad. The author is a good storyteller and it make this story easy to read. On the other hand, she's an unreliable narrator and often says contradicts herself and tries to paint herself in the best light no matter what happens. In her first marriage, she includes diary entries of events but in another entry it contradicts her account of when they last had sex.
She is an abuse survivor and hugely sympathetic. She gets out of an awful first marriage but then then married a guy who wants a green card and is unkind to him. There's also a thread through of how she is disparaging towards fat people and dark-skinned black people. It was weird how she insulted the second husband for being short, dark, ugly, and dreadlocked when she would often discuss the love of her life, Lil Wayne and how she kept going back to Wayne. The only difference between then was that one was rich and famous and didn't need her.
It was a fast read, but you feel frustrated in that you that you wonder if she will ever break out of the cycle of destructive relationships.
She is an abuse survivor and hugely sympathetic. She gets out of an awful first marriage but then then married a guy who wants a green card and is unkind to him. There's also a thread through of how she is disparaging towards fat people and dark-skinned black people. It was weird how she insulted the second husband for being short, dark, ugly, and dreadlocked when she would often discuss the love of her life, Lil Wayne and how she kept going back to Wayne. The only difference between then was that one was rich and famous and didn't need her.
It was a fast read, but you feel frustrated in that you that you wonder if she will ever break out of the cycle of destructive relationships.
June 18, 2015
Very impressed and I too feel vindicated
I promised Karrine that I would purchase this book and leave an honest comment so here it goes: at times I was mad at her for going through the cycle with the same person. It became frustrating but I felt her pain during what he put her through! Karrine is a very very strong , determined, crafty yet translucent person who embraced her flaws and her sensitivity regarding love! I thought that there was no hope for her because it seemed that she had lost hope within herself but it's amazing how someone you love so much can hurt you to only give you the catalyst needed to be stronger than ever! I loved every minute of this book and I learned valuable lessons on selflove, a deeper faith in God and never giving up despite the pain and hurt you have gone through! Thanks karrine for helping me to be free and vindicated and for being the voice for abused women! You rock!!!!!
I promised Karrine that I would purchase this book and leave an honest comment so here it goes: at times I was mad at her for going through the cycle with the same person. It became frustrating but I felt her pain during what he put her through! Karrine is a very very strong , determined, crafty yet translucent person who embraced her flaws and her sensitivity regarding love! I thought that there was no hope for her because it seemed that she had lost hope within herself but it's amazing how someone you love so much can hurt you to only give you the catalyst needed to be stronger than ever! I loved every minute of this book and I learned valuable lessons on selflove, a deeper faith in God and never giving up despite the pain and hurt you have gone through! Thanks karrine for helping me to be free and vindicated and for being the voice for abused women! You rock!!!!!
November 25, 2015
hadn't heard of her, so all the allusions to what I must think of her, the ups and downs of fame, etc. didn't mean much.
funny passage in which she gets (back) together with Lil Wayne and has a self-acceptance breakthru upon realizing that she doesn't have to be average or normal like regular people (phew!).
otherwise, an eventful life of bad abusive relationships, money troubles, custody battles, etc. but not a good writer and not a lot of compelling insight. Looks as though she has a bunch of other books, but i'll skip.
funny passage in which she gets (back) together with Lil Wayne and has a self-acceptance breakthru upon realizing that she doesn't have to be average or normal like regular people (phew!).
otherwise, an eventful life of bad abusive relationships, money troubles, custody battles, etc. but not a good writer and not a lot of compelling insight. Looks as though she has a bunch of other books, but i'll skip.
May 28, 2015
3.5 Stars
March 15, 2024
There were times I wanted to just put this book down and walk away for awhile. Everyone have lessons to learn in life, without a doubt, but the decisions made throughout the years made me want to pull my hair out and hope she realized she deserve so much better. In the end, I think the lesson she learned is a lesson that any woman can benefit from and learn even from just learning from another woman's lesson in life. But, I will say in the end I'm glad it came together for her outside of just a relationship with her partner but a stronger relationship with herself, her son, and God. Getting through it was difficult because of the abuse she suffered but to see her come out on top was beautiful.
May 2, 2016
I was interested in reading this book by Karrine Steffans.. It's been 10 years and I wanted to know where she was....it was hard to read about her abuse because you know that this was a beautiful woman who only was looking for love in the wrong places . Her love choices were hard to swallow. At this same time I guess I was looking for her to be more self sufficient and that after 10 years she had learned about messing with people in the industry and that her son was the main focus as far as the man in her life . ..That she had already started putting herself first and knowing what she was worth before all these additional things occurred . ..while I was happy to see the cycle of abuse finally end ...I don't know if the author has found themselves yet....maybe that's the true next vindicated book.
June 5, 2015
Awesome!!!
I finished this book in two days. It only took me this long cause I had to sleep and & work lol! It was a page turner from start to finish. I'm sooo happy she was able to find her muse and tell her side of the story. It was very relatable as far as the abuse she dealt with because she believed in, wanted & deserved a happy ending!!
I finished this book in two days. It only took me this long cause I had to sleep and & work lol! It was a page turner from start to finish. I'm sooo happy she was able to find her muse and tell her side of the story. It was very relatable as far as the abuse she dealt with because she believed in, wanted & deserved a happy ending!!
April 24, 2022
This book was hard to finish. It was a never ending loop of bad decisions she made with men one after another. As soon as I thought things were looking up for her, another horrible ex came back into the picture to complicate her life even further. Although I did finish the book, I don't recommend.
October 10, 2015
it was alright
November 29, 2015
A trainwreck you can't look away from.
July 27, 2017
No growth, still as manipulative but without a good ghostwriter. Seems to be stuck her tricking days.
January 10, 2024
Painful read.
February 27, 2025
It took me 20 years to finish reading her first book, Confessions of a Video Vixen. I finished this 2015 sequel in under 3 days. She's still committing the same sins 10 years later. Here's to hoping that she has smartened up 20 years later.
Living by the Spirit’s Power (Galatians 5)
Apostle Peter: 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Living by the Spirit’s Power (Galatians 5)
Apostle Peter: 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
January 17, 2023
I heard of Karrine Steffans when I was in high school (2006). Everyone was reading her first book. I'm 34 and this is the first book I've read by her and then I read her first book after I read this one.
I think her book was straightforward and I feel she kept me engaged in each chapter. She has been through a lot and reading her first book; I understand more about her. A lot of us black woman been through similar situations and this book made me feel connected to her because what happened to her, and it happened to me in my lifetime.
After reading this book, I feel she is trying to become better. I follow her on Instagram and seeing her grow from her first book to this book and what she is doing now is growth. She still makes certain mistakes, but she acknowledges them right away, then before.
She is pregnant with her second child by Kwame Onwuachi. I wish her the best and I hope she continues to strive at her craft.
I think her book was straightforward and I feel she kept me engaged in each chapter. She has been through a lot and reading her first book; I understand more about her. A lot of us black woman been through similar situations and this book made me feel connected to her because what happened to her, and it happened to me in my lifetime.
After reading this book, I feel she is trying to become better. I follow her on Instagram and seeing her grow from her first book to this book and what she is doing now is growth. She still makes certain mistakes, but she acknowledges them right away, then before.
She is pregnant with her second child by Kwame Onwuachi. I wish her the best and I hope she continues to strive at her craft.
September 9, 2018
The emotional and psychological torture that arises out of domestic violence is truly a disease of epic proportions. This to me was a difficult read, not linguistically but on a human and emotional level. As a woman and a mother of two daughters it's hard not to bleed in empathy for those suffering from the emotional, financial, physical, spiritual and psychological abuse (that develops into a form of PTSD) from partners/spouses/husbands who are out of control and seek that control through violence. Worst to see the infection of that disease spread and passed along to children in the form of learned behavior is heart breakingly sad. This kind of pathology is toxicity at its best.
I am glad she was able to triumph, though I felt she made a move in the end that cost her her life. Luckily this was not the outcome and we won't be watching horrified as the CNN reports.
I am glad she was able to triumph, though I felt she made a move in the end that cost her her life. Luckily this was not the outcome and we won't be watching horrified as the CNN reports.
September 28, 2024
Ok, so back in the day these books were good. There was always good tea spilled. This one I could’ve done without…the whole back and forth between Wayne & “Aaron” (which I deduced to be Darius McCrary)…but anyway! It was just sickening! What I wanna know now is how does her son feel about all this toxicity that he was surrounded by as well as, the very unstable environment. She did so much that I was tired. My goodness.
In closing all I’m gonna say is, I want my $14 back (but whatever; that’s what I get for being nosey). Should have just let some other ppl read it and give me the highlights. Second book this month that I got duped with…sigh.
In closing all I’m gonna say is, I want my $14 back (but whatever; that’s what I get for being nosey). Should have just let some other ppl read it and give me the highlights. Second book this month that I got duped with…sigh.
December 31, 2024
I have read the other books by Karrine Steffans so I thought 10 years later she had to have grown a bit but nope still the same broken woman. Karrine shows she’s the same person she’s always been with loyalty to no one not even herself. Karrine will use anyone and anything to get what she wants. Karrine is a broken woman who needs to get severe counseling and do some major work on herself. I struggled to get through this one without rolling my eyes and feeling complete annoyance. This woman is on a fast track to completely ruining her son and his perception of women and relationships. I really hope she does some work on herself.
July 13, 2024
A book that explores that explores the impact of DV/IPV in a relationship. Yes it is frustration to read at times since tho go through the cycle with the author as they keep taking back the abuser. Until finally her self confidence pushes through hence the title vindicated. Great book although some chunks of “How to make love to a Martian” are duplicated in this novel word for word. Overall a great read
August 19, 2019
Vindicated
This was a good book I couldn't put it down to be honest. I know what abuse does to your mind and how everyone on the outside can't understand why you tolerate it or take the abuser back. It's a very hard cycle to break from especially on your own. I commend Karrine for the strength she showed and hope she has kept herself away from the negative people.
This was a good book I couldn't put it down to be honest. I know what abuse does to your mind and how everyone on the outside can't understand why you tolerate it or take the abuser back. It's a very hard cycle to break from especially on your own. I commend Karrine for the strength she showed and hope she has kept herself away from the negative people.
April 20, 2025
Good Read
Read this in a few hours. It's a good read and you root for her throughout. She knows how to tell a story and keep you engaged. Her ability to share her truth is only outshined by the fact that you know you're only getting part of the story. Amazing that she survived it all. I'm happy for her vindication and pray she continues her journey towards redemption.
Read this in a few hours. It's a good read and you root for her throughout. She knows how to tell a story and keep you engaged. Her ability to share her truth is only outshined by the fact that you know you're only getting part of the story. Amazing that she survived it all. I'm happy for her vindication and pray she continues her journey towards redemption.
April 21, 2025
juicy book
Karrine will always be the girl that spill the tea I have read all of her books and I must say this industry is so messy these men knew what they were doing when they decided to step out can’t blame everything all on her hopefully one day in the future she chooses to write another juicy book
Karrine will always be the girl that spill the tea I have read all of her books and I must say this industry is so messy these men knew what they were doing when they decided to step out can’t blame everything all on her hopefully one day in the future she chooses to write another juicy book
August 3, 2025
I once stood up for Karrine Steffans against someone calling her Superh*ad that was reading Diary of Video Vixen. I was offended by this because I had studied Steffans' life, and I knew she had it hard as a child, especially s*xually and as a young adult and young single mother. So, I felt compassion for her. However, this autobiography just showed I was wrong.
She spends much of it telling a woest me story, trying to gain sympathy for her ex, who played Eddie Winslow on Family Matters, supposedly abusing her. I don't know if anything she says is true after further investigation of her and after reading this book, especially. It never occurred to her as an able-bodied, healthy woman that she could apply for regular jobs if she needed cash. Instead, she turned to bad relationships for money from men and pr*stitution again.
She tries to make you feel sorry for her horrible decisions, like she is a girl and not a woman with a brain. It was one stupid, sl*tty action after another. When I initially studied her, she had several businesses going and seemingly overcame the Superh*ad days, but this book just goes to show that you can take the pr*stitute off the track, but you cannot take the track out of the pr*stitute!
She spends much of it telling a woest me story, trying to gain sympathy for her ex, who played Eddie Winslow on Family Matters, supposedly abusing her. I don't know if anything she says is true after further investigation of her and after reading this book, especially. It never occurred to her as an able-bodied, healthy woman that she could apply for regular jobs if she needed cash. Instead, she turned to bad relationships for money from men and pr*stitution again.
She tries to make you feel sorry for her horrible decisions, like she is a girl and not a woman with a brain. It was one stupid, sl*tty action after another. When I initially studied her, she had several businesses going and seemingly overcame the Superh*ad days, but this book just goes to show that you can take the pr*stitute off the track, but you cannot take the track out of the pr*stitute!
Read
April 22, 20242025 is NINE MONTHS AWAY. I wonder is she conjuring up a "CONFESSIONS OF A VIDEO VIXEN, TWENTY YEARS LATER" Copy to mark the tragic occasion.
I guess I shouldn't give her any fresh ideas on a VERY STALE story.
I guess I shouldn't give her any fresh ideas on a VERY STALE story.
December 25, 2017
Karrine Steffans is SUCH a great author. Very vivid storyteller. Plus, she keeps it real. My kind of girl 😘
January 21, 2018
Good book
I chose this rating because this book was a good read. She spoke her truth and has grown from everything she's been through.
I chose this rating because this book was a good read. She spoke her truth and has grown from everything she's been through.
September 4, 2019
This was a quick read, more of Karrine's story. The book shed insight into her marriage and life shortly thereafter.
January 3, 2024
I wanted to like this more, but it was just really frustrating at points. Has this woman learned anything??
September 16, 2024
A satisfactory ending to the series (so far?). It's a real page-turner and as frustrating as it was to read at points, I'm sure her actual lived experience was far worse. But after all the drama, I think it ended well and serves as an important novel that shows anyone can be affected by domestic abuse - and just how bad it can get.
October 14, 2024
I was underwhelmed with this 😔 it was not like the first book at all 😞I felt like I wasted my time 🤷🏾
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews