Legend — who is one of the only stars speaking out inSurviving R. Kelly, a six-part docuseries on Lifetime — used Twitter ahead of the program’s debut on Thursday to respond to fans who labeled him as bravefor criticizing the “Ignition” singer.
“To everyone telling me how courageous I am for appearing in the doc, it didn’t feel risky at all,”wrote Legend, 40. “Ibelieve these womenand don’t give a f— about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision.”
During an interview for the documentary, the “All of Me” singer says, “R. Kelly has brought so much pain to so many people,” and in the series’ last episode, Legend adds, “Time’s up for R. Kelly.”
John Legend and R. Kelly.Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock; Suzanne Cordeiro/REX/Shutterstock
Surviving R. Kellyfeatures wide-ranging interviewswith Kelly’s family members, former friends and colleagues, but most notably, women who claim that for decades the hit-making singer and producer used his power and influence to sexually andphysically abuse womenand young girls.
Representatives for Kelly, born Robert Sylvester Kelly, responded “no comment” to PEOPLE’s request for a response to the allegations made inSurviving R. Kellyand interviews with alleged victims in this week’s issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands now. According to TMZ, Kelly’s lawyer Brian Nix has threatened to sue Lifetime network if it airs the documentary.
In a statement to PEOPLE, the network said, “Lifetime has always been a brand that champions women’s stories. The documentary will air as scheduled, starting tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT.”
John Legend’s tweet.John Legend Twitter
Also on Thursday, Legend praised the film’s executive producer, Dream Hampton, writing, “We should all thank my friend @dreamhampton for her very necessary work to create #SurvivingRKelly. These survivors deserved to be lifted up and heard. I hope it gets them closer to some kind of justice.”
In 2002, Kelly, 51, was indicted after a video surfaced allegedly showing a man engaged in sex acts with a woman who some witnesses testified was 14 at the time of the recording.
“A lot of people saw that tape, it was circulating in the streets,” says Legend, in the documentary. Both Kelly and the woman denied that the video was of them, and Kelly was never charged with assault. In 2008, Kelly was found not guilty on 21counts of child pornography.
A report fromBuzzFeed Newsreleased in July 2017 alleged that R. Kelly haskept at least six womenin his Chicago and Georgia properties who allegedly fulfill his desires and are punished if they break any of his “rules.” These allegations have never led to formal charges.
Prince Williams/WireImage
Throughout the documentary Legend shares reflections on Kelly throughout the years. Recalling the singer’s biggest hit off of the 1996Space Jamsoundtrack, Legend says “‘I Believe I Can Fly’ is a powerful song and it inspired a lot of people. It was just massive.”
Legend is the only major performer speaking out in the documentary but he is not the only prominent figure who takes part.Wendy Williamsis interviewed along with founder of the #MeToo movementTarana Burkeand popular radio hostsCharlamagne Tha Godand Tom Joyner.Chance the Rapperalso makes a brief appearance, voicing regret for working with Kelly amid the recent allegations.
RELATED VIDEO: R. Kelly’s Brothers Break Their Silence in New Documentary Alleging His Abuse Spans Decades
As for the EGOT-winning star’s participation, “That makes John Legend even more of a hero for me,” Hampton toldShadow and Act. After reaching out to dozens of music stars and Kelly’s former collaborators, Hampton said, “Most people don’t want to touch it … because it’s so messy and muddy.”
For more powerful stories from alleged victims of R. Kelly, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE on newsstands now.
Surviving R. Kellyairs on Lifetime at 9 p.m. ET from Thursday, Jan. 3 to Saturday, Jan. 5.
If you or someone you know think they are being abused, call theNational Domestic Violence Hotlineat 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) now for anonymous, confidential help, available 24/7.
source: people.com
