Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault. 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.

The Dubai government has issued a rare statement, denying claims made by controversial rapper R. Kelly that he was supposed to perform in the country.

Last week, R. Kelly’s lawyers filed a motion seeking permission for the singer to leave the country to perform a series of concerts in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

As part of R. Kelly’s recent bail agreement, the 52-year-old is currently barred from leaving the country, having surrendered his passport.

According to the filing, which was originally reported on by the Chicago Tribune, Kelly had apparently signed a contract – prior to his arrest for charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse – in which he agreed to perform “three to five shows” in Dubai.

Adding to this, Kelly’s lawyer’s claim that the artist would not only be travelling to the United Arab Emirates by private jet, but that he would also be meeting Dubai’s royal family while there.

“Mr. Kelly has a job that requires he be allowed to travel,” attorney Steven Greenberg wrote in the filing. “He cannot work, and consequently cannot making a living if he is confined to Illinois, or even the United States.”

Likewise, the filing claims that such travel is necessary for R. Kelly to both pay his legal fees and provide for his children. “Denying him the opportunity to work would be a hardship on his children,” Greenberg explained.

However, the Associated Press now reports that the Dubai Media Office has issued a statement denying the claims made by R. Kelly and his legal team.

“Authorities in Dubai have not received any request for a performance by singer R. Kelly nor are there any venues that have been booked,” the statement said, adding that Kelly “has not been invited by the Dubai royal family for a performance.”

In a statement provided to the Associated Press later, Steven Greenberg addressed the denial, claiming that R. Kelly’s agreement was as described in their court filing

“Mr. Kelly had a signed contract with a legitimate promoter, and any information that was included in the motion to travel was from that contract,” Greenberg wrote.

“We did not say he was invited by The royal family, but the contract did provide that he would make himself available to meet with them.”

Likewise, in a comment offered to Rolling Stone, Steven Greenberg attempted to clarify why these supposed shows had received no press or promotion in the recent months.

“[The contract requires] that he received permission to travel. Since he does not, as of yet, have permission to travel it is understandable why no one have invested in the promotion, booked venues or publicized any shows.”

In related news, R. Kelly publicly addressed all the allegations against him recently, speaking to Gayle King of CBS This Morning for an interview which has seen been viewed by fans and critics of the artist the world over.

“Stop it,” Kelly pleaded during the interview. “You all quit playing! Quit playing! I didn’t do this stuff! This is not me! I’m fighting for my fucking life!”

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