Documents from R. Kelly’s 2002 sexual assault case have been released, showing in explicit detail the R&B singer’s alleged actions.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. The Village Voice Published a Page Full of Controversially ‘Revealing’ Documents
The documents include a news release from Chicago Police Department, and several articles from the Lexis Nexis database.
R. Kelly was acquitted in 2008.
2. The Village Voice Piece Centers Around Anti-R. Kelly Crusader Jim DeRogatis
DeRogatis provided the extensive research and documentation revealing the R. Kelly cases and various reporting related to it. He has been frustrated with the news and media’s attitude toward the R&B singer.
Business Insider says, “Still, the mountain of allegations against Kelly is significant enough that DeRogatis has criticized media outlets like Pitchfork for letting him headline a music festival this summer and Jezebel for positively reviewing his new album, “Black Panties.”
3. The Village Voice Writer Was Initially Skeptical & Critical of DeRogatis
Jessica Hopper, the Village Voice writer, said, “I was one of those people who challenged DeRogatis and was even flip about his judgment — something I quickly came to regret.”
Among the more heinous revelations regarding the alleged sexual assault are the following:
She detailed the sexual relationship that she was scarred by. It lasted about one and a half to two years, and then he dumped her and she slit her wrists, tried to kill herself. Other girls were involved. She recruited other girls. He picked up other girls and made them all have sex together. A level of specificity that was pretty disgusting.
4. DeRogatis Says R. Kelly Is Given an Easy Pass Because It’s Hard to Cover This Subject Matter
People are squeamish. I think a lot of people don’t know how to do it, don’t care to do it, and it’s way too much work. It’s just kind of disgusting to have to write about this and bum everyone out, when you just want to review a record.
5. Twitter Has Reacted to the News
It remains insane to me that we are debating at R Kelly. I remember when he married Aaliyah at 15. He is a predator and always has been.
— Roxane Gay (@rgay) December 16, 2013
If you find yourself inconvenienced to have folk remind you that R. Kelly is a pervert while you listen to his music, think of his victims.
— Michael Arceneaux (@youngsinick) December 16, 2013
I've defended R. Kelly's music over the years, he is a dynamic outrageous artist. But as a human…….I think I'm done.
— annkpowers (@annkpowers) December 16, 2013
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Details of R. Kelly’s 2002 Sex-Assault Case Released: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know