Remix To Prosecution

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Jane Fisher

Is it time to cancel his career?

Lifetime has released a shocking documentary series describing multiple cases of famous singer R. Kelly’s sexual harassment, abuse, and acts of pedophilia. The series has done so well that the singer is facing a possible investigation.

The six part documentary debuted January 3rd, and has already shown major effects. The series is filled with a collection of interviews and clips of women who have come forward with allegations. It documents over 50 different interviews, with cases dating all the way back to 1970. Although the cases of sexual misconduct have been mentioned to the public before, the documentary has shown a greater audience for the victims stories. The documentary caused a social outcry for justice, which has caused families of victims to react. Gerald Griggs, the attorney of Jocelyn Savage who was featured in the series, has stated that a district attorney has reached out to him since the show’s airing. The Fulton County District Attorney has started conducting an investigation on Kelley.

Kelley has been publicly scrutinized multiple times for his sexual activity in the past. It was discovered that he illegally married his 15 year old musical protege Aaliyah when he was 27. Aaliyah is known for a famous song about Kelley called “Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number”. Kelley’s lawyer claims that he did not know she was underage because she had lied and said she was legal. Another well known case was in 2002 when a sex tape involving a minor was turned over to the police. It took six years for the case to make it to court, and even with multiple witnesses confirming the girl in the video was in fact underage, all counts were acquitted. In 2017 an article written by Jim DeRogatis explained a story involving the parents of a girl who was believed to be in some sort of abusive cult Kelley used for sex. The family said it was as if their daughter had been brainwashed.

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Lisa Van Allen, one of the documented victims explains her story bringing her to tears.

In the aftermath of the series, multiple celebrities have shared their own uncomfortable stories involving Kelley, such as Kelley inviting the 16 year old members of Destiny’s Child to come to a club appearance with him unsupervised. Celebrities who have collaborated with the artist have been receiving backlash for not commenting on the situation at hand. Two artists who have formally apologized so far are musicians Lady Gaga and John Legend.

“To everyone telling me how courageous I am for appearing in the doc, it didn’t feel risky at all. I believe these women and don’t give a [explicit] about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision,” said Legend.

Lady Gaga has a collaboration with Kelley titled “Do What U Want (With My Body)” which even at the time of release was considered insensitive due to prior allegations. After the release of the documentary, she took the song off of all streaming services.

I can’t go back, but I can go forward and continue to support women, men and people of all sexual identities, and of all races, who are victims of sexual assault,” said Gaga when apologizing for the release of the song.

With multiple accusers and witnesses, it is likely that Kelley may be looking at some major criminal charges.