R. Kelly is addressing sexual misconduct allegations against him that recently resurfaced following the resignations of three key members of his team and just days after a series of appearances by the Chicago crooner have been cancelled. The singer has been accused of having inappropriate relationships with underage girls and of-age women believed by some to be held against their will in a sex cult.
MeToo creator Tarana Burke recently asked radio legend Tom Joyner to stop playing the singer-songwriter’s music, which he agreed to do. Kelly also took to Instagram to apologize to fans after an appearance was cancelled because of “rumors.”
The “Ignition” artist released the following official statement on the matter to Metro.co.uk:
“My team has advised me that this is not a proper platform to express my emotions. I will not discuss details about these false allegations that have been made against me.
“I will say that I am infuriated, and I am heartbroken by the false claims against me. These accusations being perpetuated by the media is an attempt to distort my character and to destroy my legacy that I have worked so hard to build. These allegations have created a character of me that is not the truth of who I am nor what I am about.
“The women in my life are consenting adults and they live with me on their free will. I am a God-fearing man, a son, a brother, and most importantly a father. The media has dissected and manipulated these false allegations to reach their own conclusions about me and what I do in my personal life. My focus has always been music and being in the music industry. At this time, my faith and my love for music are the only things that has not been affected.
“The devil is a liar. To whom much is given, from him much expected. To my fans, I love you all from the deepest part of me. I am nothing without you, my fans. Thank you very much for all your support. I am a God-fearing man and through God’s grace and mercy, I will survive.
“The police are not investigating me, there is no criminal investigations made against me, just allegations and conclusions. I ask that you wait for the truth to be revealed, before you condemn me, we live in a society where you are prejudged before knowing all the facts or truths.”
