Earlier this month, Lifetime released its highly-anticipated docuseries, “Surviving R. Kelly,” which detailed years of alleged emotional, sexual, physical and mental abuse against young and underaged girls at the hands of the R&B superstar. With interviews from Kelly’s former peers and employees, in addition to appearances by his siblings, former teachers and surviving victims, the documentary reignited a call to #MuteRKelly over the decade long allegations.
The docuseries also featured discussion about the infamous “Pee Tape,” which allegedly featured the then 14-year-old niece of Kelly’s former backup singer, Sparkle. In fact, Sparkle, who spoke out against Kelly back in 2001 in her niece’s defense, also detailed, in the docuseries, her experience in identifying her niece, being shunned by her family and dealing with the guilt of ever introducing her niece to the alleged predator.
But now, in a recent interview with Baller Alert, Sparkle opened up about how she’s coping in the aftermath of the show, which has since gained widespread recognition.
“I stand, where I stand,” she said. “I stand where I stand since 2001, when I came out and spoke about the tape and it being my niece on the tape. I’m the day one girl, I’ve never wavered in my stance, the truth is the truth and that’s it. Hopefully something happens this time, people didn’t believe me way back in 2001.”
“So now, they see the documentary, ‘Surviving R. Kelly,’ and hopefully people will really get it, and know this is an urgent matter,” she explained.
As the interview continued, Sparkle opened up about the fate and future of Kelly’s career, and whether or not he will once again survive the public scrutiny over his alleged actions.
“He shouldn’t come back from this,” Sparkle said. “They should have gotten him in 2002, when they indicted him – However, it did happen, the jury got it wrong. But, hopefully he gets some help and then they can send him off to jail.”
Despite her strong stance against Kelly, Sparkle maintained she was never a victim of the troubled singer.
“Didn’t know anything, didn’t see anything,” Sparkle said. “He kept me aside, I didn’t see much of anything – at all, of the shenanigans.”
But now, thanks to more young girls stepping up against Kelly, it’s become easier to believe. But will anything be done?
