Once again, R. Kelly is mixed up with some bad press, and this time it’s about him allegedly holding prisoners in a sex cult! A lengthy report from Buzzfeed News quotes several parents about their daughters in captivity. Could it be true? Now, many want to know the truth behind the accusations and the story behind the singer’s claims in the past. Is R. Kelly married? What does R. Kelly’s girlfriend think of all this? For more details on R. Kelly’s ex-wife and R. Kelly’s girlfriend, have a look at our R. Kelly wiki.
Kelly’s Early Life
R. Kelly was born Robert Sylvester Kelly on January 8, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. His single mother, Joann, a devout Baptist and school teacher, raised him as the third of four children on the South Side. His mother is now deceased after a battle with cancer. In September 1980, R. Kelly joined Kenwood Academy High School, a prestigious school in Hyde Park. He was known to make trouble, and he didn’t graduate. Years later, he admitted to having difficulty with math and reading. His music teacher, Lena McLin, helped him discover his true talent and asked him to sing a cover of Stevie Wonder’s 1982 hit, “Ribbon in the Sky” at a high school talent show.
Kelly Sexually Abused
In R. Kelly’s autobiography, it was revealed that an older woman sexually assaulted him when he was eight years old. Sometimes, he watched men and women have sex and was even given a Polaroid camera to take pictures of the act. The technology was said to arouse him more than the sex itself and when R. Kelly was raped by an older woman, he was told to keep it a secret, while it happened repeatedly for years. Friends of his told The Chicago Sun-Times that he had been sexually assaulted in his preteens by an older man, as well.
Kelly’s Net Worth
From R. Kelly’s tours to R. Kelly’s music, the “Ignition” singer reportedly has a net worth of $150.0 million as a result of a career that has spanned decades. The 50-year-old R&B singer got his start with Jive Records, after being discovered by executive Wayne Williams and he was first introduced as part of the group, Public Announcement. But R. Kelly would eventually break out on his own, as many singers do. He went solo in 1993 with his solo album 12Play, which had a number of sexually themed songs such as “Bump N’ Grind” and “Sex Me.” In 2003, he maintained his status with Chocolate Factory and hits like “Step in the Name of Love.” From world tours to collaborations, R. Kelly has been making music (and millions) for years with sexually charged music and creativity.
Is R. Kelly Married?
Kelly’s age is always much older than his girlfriends or wives—which is the problem most people have with him. At the moment, the singer is single, but many don’t know that he was once married to the late singer, Aaliyah. In 1994, when Aaliyah went platinum, she got married at the age of 15 to a then 27-year-old R. Kelly. They were married at the Sheraton Gateway Suites in Rosemont. A falsified Cook County marriage certificate said that Aaliyah’s age was 18, and not only was her family upset, but the marriage was quickly annulled.
Kelly married again in 1996 to Andrea Lee, a choreographer and dancer. The couple has three children together —two daughters born in 1998 and 2000, and a son born in 2002. Their names are Joann, Jay (his transgendered son, formerly Jaya) and Robert Jr. R. Kelly and Andrea Lee divorced in 2009.
Kelly’s Latest Accusation
According to several parents who spoke with Chicago reporter Jim DeRogatis, R. Kelly is responsible for keeping their daughters away from them in a sex cult, and now fans want to know about R. Kelly’s 19-year-old girlfriend. He’s no stranger to being accused of having relations with a minor and he’s settled dozens of related cases in the past. Welfare checks made by police didn’t lead to any charges and his lawyer, Linda Mensch, defended R. Kelly amidst the accusations.
“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.”
