Petition Calls for Sony to Drop R. Kelly From the Label
It's been a wild week in the media for R. Kelly, as the singer is currently being accused of holding women in a "cult" against their will. While details are still coming forward on the investigation, as well as responses from women who were former residents, a petition has been created calling for Sony Records to drop the songwriter from their label.
The Care2 petition has garnered over 10,000 signatures so far, and wants the record label to drop Kellz, stating their desire to "turn R. Kelly into a symbol for victim's rights." They even say that the Black Panties singer has "preyed on women for the past 25 years," mentioning his controversial marriage to a 15-year-old Aaliyah in 1994.
"We must not let habitual abusers float above justice simply because they are rich and famous,” the petition states. “Let’s work together to turn R. Kelly into a symbol for victim’s rights, reminding abusers everywhere that no one is untouchable.”
The petition also mentions their actions in the past to try and shed light on other "sexual predators" such as Bill O’Reilly, Bill Cosby, and Dr. Luke. They're urging the label to release R. Kelly from his contract in order to make a statement to abusers about who society "gives a pass to."
The petition is currently growing in signatures, but so far, Sony has not responded to it.
If you recall, BuzzFeed released a thorough investigative piece this week, which detailed disturbing alleged accounts of parents and former entourage members who claim R. Kelly is holding multiple women in a sex cult. The report claims the singer controls their every move, gives them limited access to outside communication, and is said to punish them if they break his strict rules. One of the women spoke out in a video this week, rejecting the claims.
Kellz's lawyer has denied the accusations against him, stating that he "will work diligently and forcibly to pursue his accusers and clear his name."
We will keep you updated on this case as details come forward.
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