John Legend is responding to R. Kelly sympathizers who’ve labeled him a hypocrite for appearing in the Lifetime docuseries Surviving R. Kelly but also taking a photo with disgraced Hollywood executive Harvey Weinstein.
The photo features Legend, Weinstein and Legend’s wife, model Chrissy Teigen. Twitter user Anika Tellis posted the photo along with the caption, “@johnlegend please explain?? I dont remember you publicly denouncing this man!!! @cthagod.”
@johnlegend please explain?? I dont remember you publicly denouncing this man!!! @cthagod pic.twitter.com/mbIAj9Y2ee
— Anika Tellis (@DesAnika123) January 8, 2019
Legend responded, saying the photo was taken long before the sexual harassment allegations against Weinstein were made public.
I took a photo with and worked with Harvey on several occasions before his abuse was known to me and the rest of the world. Since his being exposed, his company and career have rightfully been destroyed and he’s been indicted. Sounds like something that should happen to R Kelly https://t.co/LgIOQpEnsP
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 8, 2019
The “Ordinary People” singer went on to say supporters of the Chicago crooner should simply admit they don’t believe the accusers rather than attempt to discredit him.
If y’all wanna cape for R and discount all these women’s stories, just say it. Don’t bring up some old pics of me and somebody else. https://t.co/2wus2P7vNm
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 8, 2019
The night of the Surviving R. Kelly premiere, Legend tweeted that he had no problem taking a stand against a “serial child rapist,” like Kelly.
To everyone telling me how courageous I am for appearing in the doc, it didn’t feel risky at all. I believe these women and don’t give a fuck about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 4, 2019
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.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 4, 2019
