Celebrities and survivors speak up in #SurvivingRKelly docuseries
The six-part exposé into the R&B legend's sexual misconduct allegations saw many stars and survivors speak up in the harrowing docuseries which trended on social media over the weekend.
Raw, hard, emotional, and very real - that's what many had to say about Lifetime's 'Surviving R Kelly' docuseries.
The three-day, six-episode docuseries aired on the channel on Thursday night and saw a string of celebrities and survivors speaking about the R&B legend's alleged sexual misconduct allegations, which have surfaced throughout the 30-years of his career.
READ: R Kelly has found himself in trouble... once again
The episodes saw his backup dancers, singers, and even ex-wife, Andrea Kelly, take viewers down alleged scenes of the abuse they witnessed and experienced from Kelly.
The first time I witnessed a sexual act in the studio was during the recording of (Kelly’s song) ‘Slow Dance (Remix).’ He had one of my teenage friends in the booth with him, bent over. We were all right there. I will not say with whom, but I knew she was underage
It is reported that Lady Gaga, Dave Chappelle, and Jay-Z were asked to be a part of the series, but it was global superstar John Legend who came forward and agreed to talk.
READ: Activists call for R. Kelly's music to be muted
"When it comes to celebrities, It was incredibly difficult to get people who had collaborated (artistically) with Kelly to come forward. We asked Lady Gaga. We asked Erykah Badu. We asked Celine Dion. We asked Jay-Z. We asked Dave Chappelle. (They're) people who have been critical of him. That makes John Legend even more of a hero for me," said Dream Hampton, executive producer of 'Surviving R. Kelly'
Legend quickly responded to the news of him appearing in the series by saying it was an "easy decision" for him to talk openly against Kelly.
"To everyone telling me how courageous I am for appearing in the doc, it didn't feel risky at all. I believe these women ... Easy decision," he said in a tweet.
To everyone telling me how courageous I am for appearing in the doc, it didn't feel risky at all. I believe these women and don't give a fuck about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 4, 2019
#SurvivingRKelly and #MuteRKelly trended on Twitter, and the platform was ablaze with users and celebs who shared their thoughts.
Can’t stop thinking about the girls who aren’t yet free from R Kelly and hoping with all my heart that #SurvivingRKelly didn’t put them in more danger. Let’s keep the pressure on until they’re all home safe and healing ♥️
— Rach 🌻 (@Rach_Greenberg) January 6, 2019
Wow!!!!! this predator was on trial while he was preying on more future victims???!!! How was this allowed?? I can’t fathom how the hell this really has happened for so long #SurvivingRKelly #MuteRKelly
— Jessica.Leigh (@jlfrank22) January 6, 2019
Watching #SurvivingRKelly like pic.twitter.com/p0xmIUjWmC
— Fletch (@BeauregardJones) January 6, 2019
God bless all the survivors who are telling their stories because this is hard to do in general, let alone to share your truth with the world. Y’all are going to save someone’s life. Thank you so much 🙌🏾 #SurvivingRKelly
— Princess Shuri (@yuupiitsniik) January 4, 2019
Today, I threw away any of my 90's RnB CD's that had @rkelly songs on them! I do not support this horrid man after watching #SurvivingRKelly 😪 my eyes have been opened + i hope yours have too #MuteRKelly pic.twitter.com/eGWWxQmeot
— 🍍🕯Hoesephinè Pinelope 🕯🍍 (@Josephine_KK) January 6, 2019
Like many, #JadaPinkettSmith is wondering HOW #RKelly’s music sales/streams have spiked since the release of #SurvivingRKelly? Some are saying it’s because they need to listen back at his music to see what they missed 👂🏾 Are you still listening or have you decided to #MuteRKelly? pic.twitter.com/prhtWwOmuh
— Steve Harvey Radio (@SteveHarveyFM) January 6, 2019
#survivingRKelly is such an important documentary about sexual abuse and exploitation. The doc shows how abusive & manipulative behaviors manifest gradually over time in a way that makes it more difficulty for girls and women to leave the situation.
— Marisol LeBrón (@marisollebron) January 6, 2019
The words and the tears of the survivors are enough to leave you with a lump in your throat - especially if you grew up in the 90's listening to the 51-year-old 'I Believe I Can Fly' singer.
Check out the teaser trailer for the docuseries below:
Watch the trailer for part 1 and part 2 below: