CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, child molestation, and domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.
R. Kelly has been an R&B superstar for two decades, with hit songs such as "I Believe I Can Fly" and "I Wish," and winning several music awards, including three Grammys. But while Kelly has enjoyed mainstream success, throughout his career, he has been plagued by allegations of sexual involvement with underage girls and inappropriate, abusive relationships with women and girls.
Recently, the documentary miniseries "Surviving R. Kelly" was released on Lifetime, discussing allegations of Kelly's sexual misconduct, including more recent allegations that he keeps women and girls captive in an abusive "sex cult." The documentary featured interviews with several accusers, family members of alleged victims, former business and personal associates, and family members.
R. Kelly has not been convicted of any crime related to the sexual misconduct and abuse allegations, and he has denied all accusations.
In this episode, Jaye discusses the R. Kelly documentary with her brother, the author of Gods of Life and co-owner of Shining Otaku Comics, Ervin Johnson II. Jaye and Ervin talk about Kelly's history, the #MeToo movement, and women's empowerment. The episode also includes a "palate cleanser" segment where they discuss manga (Japanese comics), Shining Otaku, and Gods of Life.
Shining Otaku Comics YouTube (Gameoncloud9): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChHp5LI7jz4wK6Q_-JzvFXg Twitter: @shiningotaku IG: @shiningotaku Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shiningotakucomics/ Website: http://shiningotaku.com
Potstirrer Podcast Twitter: @potstirrercast IG: @potstirrerpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/potstirrerpodcast/ Website: PotstirrerPodcast.com Flying Machine Network: http://flyingmachine.network Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/flyingmachine
Citations/Resources:
"The Criminal Justice System: Statistics." RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org/statistics/criminal-justice-system
Gibbs, Rosemary. 2019. "R. Kelly Charged in Chicago With Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse." Forbes, February 22. https://www.forbes.com/sites/adriennegibbs/2019/02/22/r-kelly-charged-in-chicago-with-aggravated-criminal-sexual-abuse/#4a59fd2d4756
Sobol, Rosemary, and Megan Crepeau. 2019. "R. Kelly Walks Out of Cook County Jail After Paying More Than $160,000 in Overdue Child Support." Chicago Tribune, March 9. https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-r-kelly-released-20190309-story.html
"Surviving R. Kelly" - Lifetime Network https://www.mylifetime.com/shows/surviving-r-kelly
Music:
Potstirrer Podcast Theme composed by Jon Biegen from Stranger Still http://strangerstillshow.com/
Ocean composed by THBD