Prince’s ex-girlfriend has described a turbulent relationship with the singer, alleging episodes of violence alongside what she said was a deep emotional bond with the late artist.
Jill Jones Speaking Out
Jill Jones, whose career included collaborations with Prince during the height of his fame in the 1980s, has only now spoken publicly in depth about their relationship after the rocker died in 2016, aged 57, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential figures in popular music, best known for albums including Purple Rain and his distinctive fusion of funk, rock, and pop.
But Jill’s account adds to a wider body of reflections and allegations that have emerged in the years since his death.
She told the Daily Mirror, “He was lovable and adorable” – before adding he “could be hateful too.”
Specific Incident
She alleged an incident in 1984 escalated into physical violence after a confrontation.
Jill said she had initially considered pressing charges but was discouraged from doing so by people close to Prince, who warned it could damage his career at a pivotal moment.
She said, “I had a surgery and he gave me a ton of toys, and this is how the apology was: balloons, toys and candy.
“It was really hard for us to not be around each other.”
“He always thought I would be there. He would always say, ‘I’m always gonna know you’.”
She said she had delayed speaking publicly about her experiences, expressing hope that an apology would come.
Jill added, “See, this is the craziest thing with domestic violence.”
“You wait for an apology sometimes from someone that you love, you think they’re going to, and they want to move on and not talk about it, and you allow it.”
Cultural Context
Jill also reflected on the cultural context of the time.
She said, “It was an era of time where men did knock around their wives. It was just something that happened.”
According to Jill, it took years to process what she described, though she said she ultimately chose to forgive him.
She said, “He’s just a product of a time, although I’m not trying to make excuses.”
Jill linked her decision to speak more openly in part to later events in the music industry, including the 2009 assault case involving Chris Brown and Rihanna.
She said, “I was like, ‘Wow, he must have forgotten’,” referring to reports Prince had offered advice to Brown in the wake of his attack on Rihanna.