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What we’re sure was ratings gold for Lifetime over the weekend, Surviving R. Kelly has seen an unlikely turn of support with the #MuteRKelly movement. Decades-old accusations (including a sex cult, herpes and more) against the singer are nothing new, but it seems as if the documentary was the last straw for many in the music industry — namely and surprisingly men. Just as soon as the three-night, six-hour event ended Tank and Ne-Yotook to social media to join the campaign, speaking boldly against the man they were all inspired by.
As an artist & a champion of the arts, I am moved to share my position on #SurvivingRKelly which I haven’t seen but felt compelled to voice my position on this very serious issue since #rkelly has written songs for #B2K.
It’s important first to ACKNOWLEDGE that this has been an ugly truth in our industry for years and as opposed to dismissing it’s existence | its time to discuss it. EVERYONE has to be RESPONSIBLE. Many have bared witness to the unthinkable and yet have remained silent.
While I know our fans would be greatly disappointed if we didn’t perform those songs on #TheMillennoumTour , after the tour I am retiring those songs from my set list . I too am raising a future queen. #A.A.R.T. (Artists Acknowledging Responsibility & Truth) Peace y’all. ~O
Look at black men standing up for black women! And while it truly may be hard to actually mute R. Kelly, the support from people that look like our fathers, uncles, brothers and sons is appreciated.
TELL US: Do you think other artists will finally take a stand?