On Sunday, R. Kelly released “I Admit,” a song he hoped would clear the air surrounding allegations that he is a serial sexual abuser and his relationships with young women, his own molestation claims and his inability to read. Although some fans offered positive feedback to the 19-minute tell-all, several prominent celebrities shared their unease with the content of the song, including #MeToo founder Tarana Burke and rapper Talib Kweli.
Despite the 20 years of sexual abuse claims made against the self-proclaimed Pied Piper, it appears that many fans put aside the stories of alleged victims and continue to support his music. With the rise of the #TimesUp movement, some are using their platforms to speak out and demand corporations and fans mute R. Kelly.
Check out what some people had to say about the song below.
Tarana Burke
Yes, I have seen your emails, tweets, and texts. About all of the current *situations* particularly in the Black community. I'm on vacation this week but TRUST I have something to say. Until further notice @JamilahLemieux speaks for me.
Also, still #MuteRkelly https://t.co/fDEAs49Ezq
— Tarana (@TaranaBurke) July 23, 2018
Talib Kweli
https://twitter.com/TalibKweli/status/1021411400206487554?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
Robin Thede
https://twitter.com/robinthede/status/1021528835685318661
Claude Kelly
https://twitter.com/ClaudeKelly/status/1021714153638117378
Bevy Smith
#MuteRKelly I’m just glad that I have a national platform to say this because his victims voices are still not being heard! It’s a damn shame & I don’t care how “good” his music is, nothing can excuse his record of abuse! https://t.co/VfsPXFUJGN
— bevysmith (@bevysmith) July 24, 2018
Travon Free
If R. Kelly's 19 minute song isn't a recording of him being arrested and then a judge reading him a list of charges, he can keep it.
— Travon Free (@Travon) July 24, 2018
Joshua DuBois
R. Kelly is a serial abuser. Flaunted that abuse for years (the “Pied Piper”)? In what world can you molest teenagers & still get radio play? What msg does that send to daughters & sons? Sure, seek forgiveness, but in private, & with consequence. No continued platform for abuse.
— Joshua DuBois (@joshuadubois) July 24, 2018
Luvvie Ajayi
Folks stay on the "I KNOW R. KELLY IS TRASH BUT HE IS SO GOOD" wagon and THAT is wack AF. It's like Trump supporters being all "WE KNOW HE CAN'T READ BUT HE IS OUR PRESIDENT. RESPECT HIM."
— Luvvie is the #ProfessionalTroublemaker (@Luvvie) July 23, 2018
Roxane Gay
https://twitter.com/rgay/status/1021435727425372161
Bishop Talbert Swan
19 minites of admitting and @rkelly you never admitted that it WAS YOU in that VHS having sex and urinating on that little girl.
In the words of @Usher in “Confessions” If you’re gonna tell it then you gotta tell it all. #MuteRKelly
— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) July 24, 2018
Ijeoma Oluo
https://twitter.com/IjeomaOluo/status/1021476358893928449
Regina King
Wow! To think this was 12 years ago when we recorded "The Trial Of R. Kelly" and 10 yrs ago when it first aired…and here we are. Much respect to #aaronmcgruder #Boondocks https://t.co/Gn9nypIsIs
— Regina King (@ReginaKing) July 23, 2018
Ava DuVernay
The accuracy. https://t.co/MCD8k1bzWD
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) July 23, 2018