“It’s too late. They should have did this s__ 30 years ago.”
– R. Kelly, Facebook Live [1]
The Lifetime channel recently aired a documentary series called “Surviving R. Kelly” which explores the R&B singer-songwriter’s reputation for preying on young girls [2]. The program contains statements by several of Kelly’s underage victims. The young women describe having been groomed, abused, then finally abandoned.
A number of journalists have reported on R. Kelly’s reprehensible behavior. Kelly was acquitted of child pornography in 2008, though a tape allegedly showed him having sex with and urinating on a 14 y.o.
The program sheds light not only on the singer’s pattern of predation, but the roots of this behavior. It, also, exposes the complicity of others in the music business.
In an interview in 2012, R. Kelly described having been molested by family members between the ages of 7 and about 14. Kelly dropped out of school in his senior year to pursue a musical career. Tragically, his power over victims grew as his fame increased.
When R. Kelly met singer Aaliyah, she was only 12 y.o. He wrote the title track of her first album, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number. In retrospect, that title is telling. Aaliyah was 15 y.o. and already pregnant by R. Kelly when they wed. The marriage was annulled a short two months later.
Singer-songwriter John Legend (who appears in the series) is one who has taken a firm stand against such behavior.
“To everyone telling me how courageous I am for appearing in the doc, it didn’t feel risky to me at all. I believe these women and don’t give a f__ about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision.”
– John Legend, Twitter [3]
The question now is whether the documentary series will make any difference to R. Kelly fans.
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[1] The Fader, “R. Kelly boasts ‘it’s too late’ to end his career in leaked Facebook Live footage” by David Renshaw, 5/23/18, https://www.thefader.com/2018/12/28/bad-bunnys-third-eye-will-actually-predict-your-future.
[2] Daily Beast, “ ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ Exposes How the R&B Singer Got Away With Preying on Girls for Decades” by Amy Zimmerman, 1/3/19, https://www.thedailybeast.com/surviving-r-kelly-exposes-how-the-randb-singer-got-away-with-sexually-abusing-girls-for-decades.
[3] People, “John Legend Speaks Out Against R. Kelly in New Documentary about Alleged Abuse” by Janine Rubenstein, 1/3/19, https://people.com/music/john-legend-speaks-out-against-r-kelly-lifetime-documentary/.
Since this post was first published, R. Kelly has been indicted in Illinois on 10 counts of sexual abuse involving four victims (three of them underage). R. Kelly denies the charges although a new sex tape appears to have surfaced.
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ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
It is doubtful if this documentary will make any difference in his fandom. This is because most of his fans already know from news and rumors what kind of life he led. Those who were completely outraged have dumped both him and anything that has to do with his music. Those who care so much for his work have found a way to separate the man from his productions. Those who have no moral code still love the man as much as his music.
Fandom is a very tricky issue. Take for instance the issue of the followers of the prophet of one of the world’s most popular religion who continue to revere him despite accounts that he was a pedophile who married an underage girl and consummated the marriage while the girl was still underage.
People worship whatever they choose to worship. Even the devil has followers.
There is a good reason why God commanded in the scriptures that we shall have no other god except him. A god is a person, animal, place or tangible or intangible thing that takes the place of God.
Thank you Anna. Love and blessings to you. ❤️
What a profound observation, Gbolabo. Thank you for sharing your insights. Love and blessings to you, too. ❤
There are some very sick people in this world. They need to be exposed, publicly shamed and brought to justice.
minor edit– I would remove the commas here: “It, also, exposes”
I agree, Chris.
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Many believe that the sins of Hollywood are being uncovered by God..
The sad reality is many parents seek fame for their talented children, and if not guarded by a rod of iron they will fall victim to this very perversion.
Matthew 10:26~ Luke 12:2 May they all realize how much they need God!
This type of behavior is a travesty. Yet we hold fame up as an end in itself.
It’s sad this was allowed to happen, but even sadder that it is allowed to continue. 😦
Praying for all those who have been victimized. God loves you!
I agree, Gail.