R Kelly Dropped By Record Label Sony Music Amid Sexual Abuse Claims

The reported split comes shortly after Lifetime's 'Surviving R Kelly' saw 54 alleged abusers speak out about being victim to the artist

R Kelly has reportedly split with Sony Music after sex abuse claims

by Maisie Bovingdon |
Updated on

R Kelly has reportedly been dropped by longstanding record label Sony Music after claims of sexual misconduct surrounding the 52 year old, following Lifetime show 'Surviving R Kelly'.

The Ignition hitmaker first signed to music label Jive, which became part of Sony BMG, in 1991, before he joined RCA Records, another company in the Sony umbrella. But his partnership with the company, spanning over 30 years has come to an end following the abuse allegations, Billboard has reported.

R Kelly has also had ties severed with RCA Records, which is a subsidiary to Sony Music, after seven years, which has seen the artist’s name removed from their long list of artists attached to them.

Although Sony has yet to make a public announcement about their recent actions, R Kelly’s lawyer, Steve Greenberg, has claimed he has “no knowledge” about the ordeal. He told PEOPLE{ =nofollow}: “I am not involved in this matter and have absolutely no knowledge about it.”

This news comes shortly after the Lifetime docu-series aired earlier this month. In the documentary 54 survivors allege various abuses - emotional, physical and sexual abuse as well as coercive control and the rape of minors - at the hands of the self-pronounced ‘Pied Piper of R&B’ since 1998. And only one big name celebrity, John Legend, appeared on the documentary, later tweeting: “It didn’t feel risky at all…I believe these women and don't give a fuck about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision.”

Since the programme hit the screens more victims have spoken out about suffering at the hands of R Kelly, and a website based on the #MuteRKelly campaign has also been set up to raise awareness and seek justice.

While R Kelly’s name has been removed from Sony’s roster of musicians, celebrities are also taking action and denouncing him.

Cara Delevingne{ =nofollow}, Chance the Rapper, Damon Dash, Ne-Yo, Tank, Omarion, Meek Mill and Common have since taken Legend’s lead, have all condemned the Ignition hitmaker. While Lady Gaga has issued an apology for collaborating with the alleged sex abuser in 2013 on the track ‘Do What U Want.’ Lady Gaga, as well as Celine Dion, have sought to remove their work with R Kelly from music streaming services.

Last May Spotify launched a new hateful conduct policy, which saw them take down R Kelly’s music from their playlists.

However, R Kelly has vehemently denied all of the allegations made against him

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