This month, R. Kelly found himself at the center of controversy following a string of allegations about him keeping women as “sex slaves.” For those who missed it, family members of the alleged victims claim they have been brainwashed and are being held against their will. Police have stated that they’ve found no wrongdoing regarding family’s allegations and although R. Kelly has denied the claims and some of the women have denied it as well, there are mixed reactions from the public. Some people didn’t buy Kelly’s response, while others are riding with Kelly on this one. As for those not riding with him though, Kellz has been faced with a few protesters popping up at his concert venues. The latest drama centers around the protest that took place in Atlanta on Friday, August 25th.
Live In Atlanta:
As thousands of concertgoers arrived for Wolf Creek Amphitheater in College Park, they were met with a surprise. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, a small group of protesters were at the venue to boycott the concert and apparently, they had the support of the newly retired Fulton County Chairman, John Eaves.
During the protest, Eaves made his sentiments of R. Kelly very clear. He definitely isn’t a fan and he’s on a mission to silence the singer with the #MuteRKelly petition. “(R. Kelly) represents the worst of our society,” Eaves said speaking in a microphone to the crowd of protesters and concertgoers. “We’re standing up and saying, ‘enough is enough.’ … I’m here as a private citizen today. I’m a father, and I don’t want my children to be victim to sexual exploitation.”
But despite Eaves’ efforts, there’s a reason why his actions have turned heads. Apparently, he’s the same ex Atlanta official who was caught in a lie he told about the singer. The Johns Creek Police Department actually let that cat out of the bag.
The Plot Twist:
After the “sex cult” rumors emerged, Eaves called for an investigation into R. Kelly’s involvement with the women claiming there was “new” substantial evidence to warrant an arrest. “A detailed local investigation by the John Creek Police Department has provided key information that we believe is enough evidence that gives the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office all it needs to advance a criminal investigation of the well-known allegations,” Eaves said during a press conference on August 11.
But, shortly after he released his statement, it was revealed that he actually lied about the so-called evidence he claimed the police department had. TMZ actually contacted the Jones Creek Police Department about Eaves’ statement and the department reportedly confirmed there was no such evidence.
Fans React:
While the protests were under way, a few fans shared their opinion of the whole ordeal. Despite the allegations against R.Kelly, many fans are unbothered by the allegations and still stand with the singer. “Everybody has skeletons in their closet,” said R. Kelly fan and concert goer, Michael White. “I mean, I just love his music. I’m not affected by stuff (BuzzFeed) puts out. He’s been a really good and consistent artist. I’ve been a fan of his for a long time,” White said. “And he gives really great concerts.”