Warning: This article contains information about sexual abuse which may be distressing for some readers.
Appearing in a documentary that denounces the actions of accused rapist and alleged sex cult leader R. Kelly, John Legend is among the music industry’s minority when it comes to condemning the actions of the Ignition (Remix), Bump n Grind and I Believe I Can Fly singer.
Taking part in the Lifetime documentary Surviving R. Kelly, Legend is joined by singer, Stephanie ‘Sparkle’ Edwards, Kelly’s ex-wife, Andrea Kelly and several of his victims who shared their encounters and experiences with the 51-year-old.
In the film, Legend shares his insight on how Kelly became such a prominent figure in the music industry and gives us context as to how he used his influence to allegedly groom young victims.
Watch the trailer for Surviving R. Kelly:
However, when he was praised for his involvement in the documentary, Legend’s tweet deferred the attention to the brave survivors who came forward with their stories, while publicly and openly vilifying Kelly’s alleged crimes, of which the oldest allegations date back to 1996.
However, returning to Legend's tweets, although he describes his appearance in the film as an "easy decision," the father-of-two was still the only major performing artist who agreed to appear in the documentary, says Surviving R. Kelly's producer Dream Hampton.
Speaking to the Detroit Free Press and Shadow and Act, Hampton said other artists like Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige and Lil’ Kim all declined to be interviewed despite having had worked with the singer.
"That makes John Legend even more of a hero for me," she said to Shadow and Act.
"Most people just don’t want to touch it,” she continued, sharing her thinking behind why some artists have tried to avoid the topic.
"It’s not because they support him, it’s because it’s so messy and muddy. It’s that turning away that has allowed this to go on.”
In our post #metoo era where victims are bravely sharing their experiences of sexual assault, the question often comes to how the rest of us can stand up for, support and elevate their stories, and in this case Legend has done so brilliantly.
In his words: "I believe these women and don't give a f**k about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision."
What do you think of John Legends tweets? Tell us in a comment below.
If you or someone you know is in need of help, please call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 RESPECT.
Top Comments
If there's this much evidence and people willing to come forward, why isn't he charged? That chick who was in Smallville, Allison Mack, is being charged with providing women to a similar circumstance and her and the guy are both being charged, why not R Kelly?
"...Kelly’s alleged crimes, of which the oldest allegations date back to 1996."
...Only if one ignores what he did to Aaliyah, who he illegally married in 1994 when she was only 15.
BIG side-eye to anyone who collaborated with him. Like Weinstein, this has been an open secret for years.