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.
After months of speculation, it looks as if R. Kelly has announced an Australian tour.
The biggest gronk in music had the nerve to announce that he will be visiting Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. According to the flyer shared on Twitter, the tour is being promoted by Flamingo Dreamz. Flamingo Dreamz has previously toured Ciara, Fatman Scoop, Ja Rule and more. No dates or venues have been listed.
There is absolutely no way in hell that this is going to go forward, but we’re gobsmacked at the sheer audacity of it all. Australia has a history of banning controversial artists from the country. Chris Brown and Floyd Mayweather Jr have both been barred from entering the country on account of incidents of domestic abuse. So if R. Kelly is able to visit, that is royally cooked.
https://twitter.com/rkelly/status/1092826186281975808
If you haven’t been following the R. Kelly saga, here’s what you need to know. A controversial, revealing documentary, Surviving R. Kelly, premiered in early January. The documentary featured interviews with women that have accused Kelly of sexual abuse and harassment and industry insiders detailing the “open secret” of Kelly’s abuse.
Since the release of the documentary, Kelly’s record label Sony BMG dropped the artist, many collaborators have pulled their projects with Kelly and Spotify launched a mute feature in response to the growing #MuteRKelly campaign. You can read an outline of R. Kelly’s abuse here.
A few days ago, it was announced that the City of Philidelphia has come together to collectively and symbolically “mute” R. Kelly.
It is worth noting that most of Kelly’s concerts in the U.S. over the years have been cancelled as a result of public backlash and poor ticket sales.
Watch: Surviving R. Kelly: Bonus – R. Kelly, If You’re Watching | Lifetime
