The new documentary series Surviving R. Kelly premieres tonight (January 3) on Lifetime. The series features interviews with women like Kitti Jones and Kelly's ex-wife Andrea Kelly, who have spoken publicly about the singer's history of alleged abuse. According to executive producer dream hampton, several musicians were asked to participate in the documentary series but turned downed the opportunity.
Speaking with the Detroit Free Press, hampton revealed that Erykah Badu, JAY-Z, Dave Chappelle, and Lady Gaga all of whom have collaborated with R. Kelly declined interviews. Questlove, Mary J. Blige, and Lil Kim also turned down the opportunity to speak, hampton said in an interview with Shadow and Act.
I mean, most people just don't want to touch it, dream hampton said. I remember [Questlove] was like, I would do anything for you but I can't do this. It's not because they support him, it's because it's so messy and muddy. It's that turning away that has allowed this to go on.
The only musicians who participated in surviving R.
Kelly were John Legend and R&B singer Stephanie Sparkle Edwards, who testified against Kelly at his 2008 trial. Dream hampton said of John Legend's participation, That makes John Legend even more of a hero for me.
Pitchfork has contacted representatives for Erykah Badu, JAY-Z, Lady Gaga, Dave Chappelle, Questlove, Mary J. Blige, and Lil Kim.