R. Kelly was arrested last night (February 22), after being charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse earlier in the day. The R&B singer turned himself in to Chicago authorities, according to Chicago Tribune reporter Megan Crepeau, who caught it on video.
The arrest follows the emergence of another damning video tape, which apparently shows R. Kelly assaulting an underage girl. According to lawyer Michael Avenatti, speaking to CNN, the video was provided by a “whistleblower”.
Obviously, these aren’t the first accusations made against R. Kelly. In July 2017, he was accused of holding women in a cult. Since then, many artists and collaborators have spoken out against the singer.
John Legend was one of the only high profile musicians to take part in Lifetime’s Surviving R. Kelly documentary, while Chance the Rapper has apologised for their collaboration. Lady Gaga has also distanced herself and removed her 2013 song with R. Kelly, “Do What U Want”, from streaming services.
Calls to a sexual assault hotline surged when Surviving R. Kelly aired, as revealed in figures released early this year.