Source: Youtube screenshot
John Legend on R. Kelly: "I Believe These Women and Don't Give a F*ck About Protecting a Serial Child Rapist."
These survivors deserved to be lifted up and heard
"Surviving R. Kelly" explores the life and career of the controversial singer and investigates the claims of sexual abuse made against him. In the docuseries, executive produced by dream hampton, the multiple women who have accused R. Kelly of abuse open up about their experiences.
The doc features 50 interviews, including appearances from journalist Touré, cultural critic Jamilah Lemieux, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, R. Kelly's brothers and former collaborators, abuse experts and more.
John Legend and R&B singer Stephanie “Sparkle” Edwards were the only musicians to speak in the revealing doc.
READ: dream hampton Says She's "at War With R. Kelly" Over Revealing Documentary
Earlier this week, dream hampton stated that multiple musicians, celebrities, and R. Kelly collaborators like JAY-Z, Dave Chappelle, Lil Kim, Questlove, Lady Gaga, and more declined invitations to participate.
On Thursday, Legend responded to the online praise he'd been receiving for choosing to speak on R. Kelly. He tweeted, "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."
He continued, "These survivors deserved to be lifted up and heard. I hope it gets them closer to some kind of justice."
\u201cTo 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.\u201d— John Legend (@John Legend) 1546572415
\u201cAlso I'm happy to support the work of people like my friends at @ALongWalkHome who have been speaking out on behalf of the survivors for a long time.\u201d— John Legend (@John Legend) 1546572415
Legend also spotlighted the Chicago non-profit A Long Walk Home for their work to end violence against girls and women.
\u201cWe should all thank my friend @dreamhampton for her very necessary work to create #SurvivingRKelly. These survivors deserved to be lifted up and heard. I hope it gets them closer to some kind of justice.\u201d— John Legend (@John Legend) 1546571915
The first two episodes —"The Pied Piper of R&B" and "Hiding in Plain Sight"— of the three-part series aired last night (Thursday, Jan. 3rd).
The remaining two parts of "Surviving R. Kelly" are set to air on Lifetime Friday, Jan. 4 and Saturday, Jan. 5.