‘Surviving R Kelly’ premieres on Crime and Investigation

‘Surviving R Kelly’ premieres with a double bill on Wednesday, 6 February, at 20h00 and at 20h50 on Crime and Investigation (DStv channel 170). The documentary delves into one of the biggest scandals in music to date – with women emerging from the shadows and uniting their voices to share their stories of abuse at the hands of musician R Kelly.

The show aired in the US this month and has been met with reactions from international stars like Lady Gaga apologising for once collaborating with the singer (in 2013) to South Africa’s Pearl Thusi and Jimmy Nevis calling for a boycott on R Kelly’s music.

Once celebrated as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time, the 52-year-old’s career and playboy lifestyle has been riddled with rumours of abuse, predatory behaviour and paedophilia. In 2002, he was indicted on 21 counts of child pornography, but was acquitted of all charges in 2008.

For the first time ever, survivors and people from R Kelly’s inner circle are coming forward with new allegations about his sexual, mental and physical abuse. With over 50 interviews including civil rights activist Tarana Burke, musicians John Legend and Sparkle, talk show host and former DJ Wendy Williams, ex wife Andrea Kelly, brothers Carey and Bruce Kelly, and many others, the true story of R Kelly’s controversial past is revealed, beginning in 1970 through present day.

The premiere episode in the six-part series explores R Kelly’s rise to fame and power as an R&B icon where he formed relationships with younger singers and dancers including his marriage to then 15-year-old protege Aaliyah.

Single episodes air weekly on Wednesdays at 20h00 culminating in the final episode titled ‘Black Girls Matter’ on 6 March which sees figures from women’s groups come forward to take aim against the sexually brazen superstar.

– Multichoice Namibia

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