Lifetime Network announced that they will be launching both a documentary series and a feature movie that sheds light on R. Kelly and his alleged history of abuse towards woman. The artist has been in the media a lot lately from woman coming forward with allegations of abuse from the R&B singer while they were underaged.
Executive Producer of the series and movie, Joel Karsby, said, “We’ve been working for over a year to bring the stories of these women. We are proud to team with Lifetime to shed light on these stories as well as an industry that has looked the other way for so many years.”
According to E! News, the two new projects are apart of the networks relaunch of their “Stop Violence Against Women” campaign. Lifetime originally launched the campaign in 2002 to place a national spotlight on sexual assault and domestic violence. Lifetime said the series and movie will provide a platform to give a voice to women who have previously been ignored.
“Some very brave black women have trusted us with their stories, their truth and their trauma,” Karsby added. “They are survivors and I’m honored to share their stories.”
According to a press release by Lifetime, the docu-series will be a intriguing investigation into R. Kelly’s controversial past. The superstar was once celebrated as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time until his playboy lifestyle became riddled with rumors of abuse, predatory behavior, and pedophilia. Despite having evidence and multiple witnesses, to date, none of these accusations seemed to have any affect on the singer. But, for the first time survivors and people from R. Kelly’s inner circle came forward with new allegations about his physical, mental and sexual abuse. They are finally ready to share their stories and shed light on the R. Kelly’s secret past. The movie will show the super secret world of R. Kelly, brining the shocking allegations of abuse and mind games.
Kelly denied any allegations of holding women against their will.
Linda Mensche, Kelly’s lawyer, told E! News, “Mr. Robert Kelly is both alarmed and disturbed at the recent revelations and will work diligently and forcibly to pursue his accusers and clear his name.”
The Women of Color Time’s Up published an open letter just last week announcing their support of #MuteRKelly, which is a protest to bring attention to the women who have accused Kelly of abuse. They also want to prevent his performances, ticket sales, and connection with sponsorships and companies.
The singers management called the movement unjust and off target. They have also denied all allegations towards R. Kelly. The statement read, “Soon it will become clear Mr. Kelly is the target of a greedy, conscious and malicious conspiracy to demean him, his family, and the women with whom he spends his time.”
Lifetime has yet to announce a date for movie and documentary series.