R. Kelly has denied the accusations that he is holding women in an abusive cult, and insists he is now working to clear his name.
On Monday, the 50-year-old artist released a statement through his attorney Linda Mensch, just hours after the explosive allegations surfaced in a recent Buzzfeed story.
"Mr. Robert Kelly is both alarmed and disturbed by the recent revelations attributed to him," Mensch wrote in the statement, according to TMZ. "Mr. Kelly unequivocally denies such accusations and will work diligently and forcibly to pursue his accusers and clear his name."
The Buzzfeed article, which was written by Jim DeRogatis, includes the stories of concerned parents who are convinced the R&B star has brainwashed their daughters and is now holding them against their will. Several sources claimed Kelly has housed six women in Atlanta and Chicago, where he dictates every aspect of their lives, including what they eat, when they sleep, how they dress, and "how they engage in sexual encounters that he records."
Mensch was also quoted in the Buzzfeed report, in which she defended her client’s character and questioned the timing of these allegations.
"We can only wonder why folks would persist in defaming a great artist who loves his fans, works 24/7, and takes care of all of the people in his life," Mensch wrote. "He works hard to become the best person and artist he can be. It is interesting that stories and tales debunked many years ago turn up when his goal is to stop the violence; put down the guns; and embrace peace and love. I suppose that is the price of fame. Like all of us, Mr. Kelly deserves a personal life. Please respect that."
TMZ has also confirmed that authorities in Chicago and Atlanta have conducted welfare checks at the request of one of the women's parents; however, there were no charges filed, as the women told police "she did not want to be bothered with her parents because her father was threatening people." The allegations Kelly is facing are just another among a long and disturbing list.
