The Music Industry Speaks Out: Tank, Omarion, Ne-Yo Take Loud Stance Against R. Kelly

January 7, 2019

Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images, Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for FYI Brand Communications and Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images For 102.7 KIIS FM’s Wango Tango

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-Yo took to social media to join the campaign, speaking boldly against the man they were all inspired by.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsTk_EdHjqu/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsTgoLsBkib/

Additionally, Omarion, who is heading on tour with the rest of the members of B2K in March, spoke out and took a move from Tom Joyner, making him the first artist to publicly vow to never sing the songs Kelly famously wrote for the group again.

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.

— OMARION (@Omarion) January 7, 2019

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.

— OMARION (@Omarion) January 7, 2019

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

— OMARION (@Omarion) January 7, 2019

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?

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