Four R. Kelly Tour Dates Canceled Amid Sex Cult Accusations
A few weeks ago, R. Kelly was accused of running a sex cult composed of young women. Now, after insisting his After Party tour would continue, he's canceled four shows.
According to TMZ on Monday (July 31), two of the controversial singer's shows in Louisiana were canceled, followed by another show in Dallas, Texas and one more in Los Angeles. Their sources claim the four shows were canceled due to poor ticket sales and that the venue at his Virginia show last Friday (June 28) was half full.
While there isn't necessarily a direct link between ticket sales and sex cult allegations directed at Kelly, it's safe to say those didn't help. For years, the Chicago-bred singer has been a test of people's willingness to either ignore, confront or live with controversial rumors.
Back in 2008, he was acquitted after being accused of being in a sex tape with a minor, and he continued his successful career as an R&B superstar shortly afterwards. With that said, it wouldn't be all that surprising if these latest allegations hurt the singer somewhat in the short term.
Speaking in defense of Kelly, one of his reps came forth to say, "Mr. Robert Kelly is both alarmed and disturbed by the recent revelations attributed to him. Mr. Kelly unequivocally denies such accusations and will work diligently and forcibly to pursue his accusers and clear his name.” One of his alleged sex cult members even said she wasn't being held hostage.
Kelly's fellow Chicagoan Vic Mensa isn't buying it, though. Speaking to a TMZ reporter in a recent interview, Mensa offered his take on the R&B legend. “Fuck R. Kelly,” he said to a TMZ camera man. “R. Kelly is a scumbag and a very dirty man. He needs to be locked up forever.”
As far as we know, Kelly, despite the recent show cancellations, has no plans of ending his After Party tour prematurely.
XXL has reached out to R. Kelly's reps for comment.
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