New allegations from one of Prince’s former partners are shedding light on a relationship she now describes as deeply complicated—and at times, deeply troubling.
Jill Jones, who dated the late icon during the height of his fame, is speaking out about what she claims happened behind closed doors. While she described Prince as “lovable” and “adorable,” she also alleged he had a darker side that “could be hateful too.”
Jones claims that in 1984, their relationship turned violent during an argument. According to her account, she confronted Prince after seeing him kiss a friend. She says she slapped him—and alleges he responded by repeatedly punching her in the face.
She initially wanted to press charges, but says people within Prince’s inner circle discouraged her, warning it could derail his career and upcoming tour.
Despite the alleged incident, Jones says the relationship continued. She described a cycle that many found difficult to understand—where moments of affection followed episodes she claims were traumatic. According to her, Prince later tried to make amends in unusual ways, including showing up with gifts like balloons, toys, and candy after she underwent surgery.
Even with those gestures, Jones says the emotional impact lingered.
“It was really hard for us to not be around each other,” she said, describing a bond that kept pulling them back together despite the turmoil. “He always thought I would be there.”
For years, she stayed silent.
Jones says part of the reason she didn’t speak out sooner was because she was “waiting on an apology”—something she never received before Prince’s death in 2016. She also pointed to the cultural climate at the time, saying behavior like this was often minimized or ignored.
“It was an era where things like that were brushed off,” she said, explaining why she believes she—and others—didn’t come forward sooner.
She added that it took years to process what she went through, though she ultimately tried to find a path toward forgiveness.
Jones also reflected on other allegations that surfaced years later, including claims from Sinéad O’Connor, who previously accused Prince of a violent encounter in the early 1990s.
Looking back, Jones says she regrets not speaking out earlier, especially when others came forward.
“I feel like I should have stood beside her,” she admitted. “But back then, it felt like nobody wanted to hear it.”