Their minds are telling them no… as are their agents, publicists, and better instincts.
An executive producer of Surviving R. Kelly revealed that several musicians were asked to be featured in the Lifetime docu-series, but declined to do so.
Dream Hampton told the Detroit Free Press on Wednesday that JAY-Z, Lady GaGa, Dave Chappelle, and Erykah Badu — all of whom have worked with R. Kelly — turned down offers speak about the embattled singer, who has been accused of running a sex cult in his home.
The exec producer also told Shadow and Act that Questlove, Mary J. Blige, and Lil’ Kim turned down the opportunity to participate in the upcoming show as well.
Related: ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ Premiere Evacuated Over Gun Threats
While the special will feature interviews with several of Kelly’s accusers, including Kitti Jones and his ex-wife Andrea Kelly, Hampton said that most of the I Believe I Can Fly singer’s peers didn’t want to involve themselves with the “messy” situation. He explained:
“I mean, most people just don’t want to touch it… 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.”
While it may be a complete mess, Hampton went on to say the “turning away” from controversial matters by industry power players is what has allowed this alleged unsavory behavior to continue all these years.
GaGa’s lack of participation is perhaps the most conspicuous, given her vociferous advocacy for sexual assault survivors — including herself — in the past.
Not every musician is looking the other way, though. John Legend and R&B singer Stephanie “Sparkle” Edwards, who testified against Kelly at his 2008 trial, are participating in the series. Hampton said of Legend’s involvement:
“That makes John Legend even more of a hero for me.”
Watch the Surviving R. Kelly premiere tonight to see what the Grammy winner had to say about his disgraced peer.
Do U think Kelly’s peers were wrong to look the other way?
[Image via FayesVision/WENN/Instagram]
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