The singer R Kelly, best known for the hit I Believe I Can Fly has denied claims that he has held a number of young women in an “abusive cult”, following a startling investigative report published, that cited accounts from a number of the singer’s former associates.
The 50-year-old has been accused of running a “cult” of young aspiring female musicians, living in series of houses in Atlanta and Chicago, and forbidden from using their own mobile phones.
Kelly has been arrested twice in the last decade over claims he was involved in sexual activity with an underage girl. In 2006 he was charged and in 2008 was cleared of 14 counts of videotaping himself having sex with an underage girl.
R kelly represented by his lawyer has refuted the allegations and stated that “We can only wonder why folks would persist in defaming a great artist who loves his fans, works 24/7, and takes care of all of the people in his life.
“He works hard to become the best person and artist he can be. It is interesting that stories and tales debunked many years ago turn up when his goal is to stop the violence; put down the guns; and embrace peace and live. I suppose that is the price of fame. Like all of us, Mr. Kelly deserves a personal life. Please respect that.”
