Tonight (Jan. 3), Lifetime will air the first part of its documentary series, “Surviving R. Kelly”, which centers around the accusations of sexual abuse against R. Kelly and includes interviews with dozens of alleged victims.
According to a legal letter obtained by TMZ, the R&B singer’s lawyer, Brian Nix, has warned the network of possible legal action if they go through with the airing of the docuseries. Per Kelly and his team, the documentary is “packed with lies” and could very well lead to the filing of a federal lawsuit.
Despite the threat of possible legal action, Lifetime has assured viewers that it will move forward as planned.
“Lifetime has always been a brand that champions women’s stories,” the network said in a statement to TMZ, confirming they will broadcast the special as scheduled.
According to Kelly’s team, he reportedly has two audio recordings that prove the network knew “some of the girls are lying, but that the budget was too high to turn back now.” He claims the accusers are seeking fame.
The documentary series features commentary from women such as Kitty Jones — the singer’s ex-wife Andrea Kelly — John Legend, and R&B singer Stephanie “Sparkle” Edwards, among others. As revealed during a preview of the doc, one interview subject claims to have witnessed the singer partaking in a sexual act with a then-underaged Aaliyah.
Per the show’s executive producer dream hampton; celebrities and former Kelly collaborators, such as Erykah Badu, JAY-Z, Lady Gaga and Dave Chappelle, declined to participate in the documentary. Additionally, hampton notes that Questlove, Mary J. Blige and Lil’ Kim also refused to offer commentary.
“I mean, most people just don’t want to touch it,” hampton said in an interview with Shadow and Act. “I remember [Questlove] was like, ‘I would do anything for you. But, I can’t do this.’ It’s not because they support him, it’s because it’s so messy and muddy. It’s that turning away that has allowed this to go on.”
R. Kelly has adamantly denied all claims against him.
Take a look at the trailer for part one of the docuseries below. “Surviving R. Kelly” premieres on Lifetime tonight (Jan. 3) at 9:00 p.m. ET.