Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault, and rape. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
While the rest of the world attempts to #MuteRKelly, it seems that the controversial artist is still a major drawcard in Germany.
Over the last few months, the world has been waking up to the allegations of sexual abuse brought against R. Kelly. While many of these allegations had been well-known for some time, their increased visibility is due in part to the Lifetime documentary, Surviving R. Kelly.
The documentary provided an in-depth look at the accusations made against the controversial artist, including such claims that he has had sex with underage girls, has physically abused numerous women, and even ran a “sex cult” from his Chicago home.
It also featured interviews with a number of people who had worked with R. Kelly, including Chance The Rapper, who explained that their 2015 collaboration was “a mistake”.
During the fallout from the documentary’s premiere, it was revealed that even though R. Kelly had received a 16% surge in listeners on Spotify, DJs in the US had come together to #MuteRKelly, as had the entire city of Philadelphia, while the artist’s record label also dropped him.
Despite all of this, R. Kelly has continued to try touring the world. While a fake Australian tour was announced (and subsequently cancelled) back in December, the artist soon threatened a tour of some of the more niche markets, including Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Australia.
Check out R. Kelly’s since-deleted tour announcement:
While concerns have been raised as to whether these shows will even occur, or if R. Kelly will be allowed into the country, it appears he’s still a major drawcard in Germany.
As TMZ reports, R. Kelly is set to touch down in Germany in just two months time for a pair of headlining dates, despite the widespread controversy he is facing.
However, his scheduled show for April 12th has seen such high demand for tickets that the show has been moved from the 7,200 capacity venue in Ludwigsburg, to the 9,000 capacity Ratiopharm Arena in Neu-Ulm.
In justifying their decision to host the show, organisers stated that they preferred to leave the judgements of the artist up to the courts, though they noted that contractual agreements allow them to cancel the show if R. Kelly is indeed convicted for any criminal wrongdoing.
While it’s still not clear when (or even if) R. Kelly’s Australian tour will take place, what is clear is that the controversial artist’s fanbase appears to be going strong in Germany.