Lifetime is working on a follow-up to Surviving R. Kelly. The show will be a two hour special, and will go over how the three-part series that aired in January impacted the discussion surrounding sexual violence, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The series featured over 50 people talking about alleged sexual and physical abuse by the singer. Soledad O’Brien, journalist, will host the special that’s set to air May 4. The special will include clips from Surviving R. Kelly and include interviews with legal analyst, journalists, as well as psychologist about the accused singer. The intense CBS interview with Gayle King will also be examined deeply within the special.
After Surviving R. Kelly aired, calls to sexual assault hotlines went up 35 percent. The docuseries galvanized the calling for his record label to drop him from their roster. Kelly was arrested soon after the documentary aired, and was indicted on 10 felony counts of aggravated sexual abuse against four people to include three minors. These alleged crimes date back to 1998. Surviving R. Kelly brought out a huge audience for Lifetime averaging 2.1 million viewers for its initial airing. Viewership grew on all three nights the series was aired. The network says more than 26 million people have seen at least some of the docuseries.
Surviving R. Kelly fell under Lifetime’s commitment to give a voice to women where they have previously been ignored or unheard in regards to harassment and abuse, according to Deadline. The special will be produced by Peacock Productions and and executive produced by Elizabeth Waller.