R Kelly outrages the public

[et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text]JORDYN BRADLEY STAFF WRITER R Kelly, the popular singer, songwriter, and record producer, is in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. Allegations against Kelly include being in possession of child pornography and having sex with a 13 year old and urinating on them. Kelly has also paid multiple monetary settlements against women claiming he physically and sexually abused them. The “Ignition” singer has been facing allegations similar to these ones for over twenty years. Recently, Lifetime came out with a docu-series to expose the two criminal investigations against Kelly, one in Atlanta and another in Chicago. These cases stem from allegations of Kelly having a sex cult in both cities, as well as holding women captive in his apartment, though this accusation has yet to be proven. Sources claimed that the women were there on their own account. “Both the fact of R Kelly’s depravity and the revelation of such depravity are incredibly upsetting,” said Sam Nelson (‘21). Though word on Kelly has been spreading like wildfire through the news and social media recently, many people in the Alma Community did not know about the incidents, or even who Kelly was. “I wish I knew more about the situation to make an educated comment,” said Emma Wood (‘20). Wood said she only knew about what she had read about on Twitter, which was also true for many others. “I’m not surprised that another person that is famous is getting accused of something [such as this],” said Jeremy Fieber (‘19), who also had not heard much of the situation. Kelly has worked with multiple artists during his career, and once word began to circulate about Kelly, some made steps in order to show their support to victims. Chance the Rapper pulled his song with Kelly, “Somewhere in Paradise” from streaming sites. Lady Gaga pulled her song, “Do What U Want” that she worked with Kelly on, as well as issued a public statement regarding the situation and her unity with victims. Celine Dion removed the music video for her and Kelly’s song, “I’m Your Angel” from Youtube, but it is still available to stream. Many other artists that have worked with Kelly include Jay Z, Usher, and Mariah Carey. They have not touched their tracks that were produced with Kelly. Streams of Kelly’s music have increased by a whopping 116% this month alone with the release of the docuseries regarding the criminal allegations against him. “What I really hope comes of this [situation] isn’t just some bourgeois pedophile getting taken off of Spotify,” said Nelson, “but rather, those in our community feeling empowered to take a stand against the abuse and predation that afflicts those we love right here on campus.”[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]