PredIQtion Markets. The woman, who is now in her 30s and had been identified by singer Sparkle as her niece, had refused to testify against R. Kelly in his 2008 trial, which resulted in his acquittal. Sparkle has always admitted to introducing her then-12-year-old niece to Kelly, a decision she has said she's haunted by. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. While her immediate family as well as the girl herself have yet to step forward, a former protg of R. Kelly has told a Los Angeles radio station that the girl on the tape is her niece, whom she says was 14 at the time the tape was made. On the stand, the woman, who is now 37 and identified as just Jane Doe, shared details of how she met Kelly and how they had sex hundreds of times, and he made videos of their encounters which sometimes also involved other minor girls. The woman who is known as an early protg of Kelly in the 1990s and goes by the stage name Sparkle had previously testified in Kellys 2008 trial and the Surviving R. Kelly documentary as she had identified her niece as the girl in a porn video that circulated in Chicago. Shortly after the tape was released, the woman's aunt - 1990s R&B singer Sparkle - came forward and blasted her former mentor R Kelly. In addition to child pornography, Kelly is facing state and federal charges of obstruction of justice, sexual assault and racketeering. @lifetimetv SRK For Girls/Women linktr.ee/isparklei Posts Reels Videos Tagged Sparkle is claiming that the victims mother was also upset at her, and the victims testimony was aimed at getting back at her for going against Kelly. Absolutely NOT! Before Fame. She says "There have been too many girls to count. Though praising her niece for finally cooperating with prosecutors, the singer says that she is at the center of a . Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly. Kellys trial is ongoing, with the sex tapes of other underaged victims set to be played for jurors. Bossip Comment Policy She writes for Thirsty for News, covering world news and entertainment. Sparkle did try and make up for her mistake, and I don't believe her niece in saying rub his head, I believe the niece is permanently damaged by Robert and her parents and her parents told her to say that to take the blame off of them. There's no denying it. "She's like a robot." In court, Sparkles now-37-year-old victim niece told the court R Kelly starting having sex with her when she was only 14, claiming they had sex hundreds of times before she turned 18. Featured On. Apple Music Film, TV & Stage. Back in 2008, Kelly ended up being acquitted on charges of child pornography. Several witnesses identified the singer and the girl to authorities afterward, but Kelly was still acquitted of 14 child pornography charges on June 13, 2008. Bossip Video Sparkle, the aunt of an R Kelly victim, is claiming her niece is lying on the stand as she testifies about her experience with the singer as a 14-year-old. Close Menu. Jurors and observers heard the gory details from the 14-year-old, who disclosed that the singer began grooming the 14-year-old victim and began having sex with her at just 15 years old when Kelly was around 30 years old. Offset Changes Instagram Avatar to Takeoff Photo After His Death. If convicted, Kelly would face the maximum of 195 years in prison. The singer's niece, who's allegedly the 14-year-old girl on the infamous 2008 sex tape, recently claimed Sparkle encouraged her to ask Kelly to be her godfather by enticing him. "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]. 5 Infamous Murder Cases Involving Athletes, Deadly Day for Rappers XXXTentacion and Wopo. Knowing that theres no right answer to explain their ongoing actions and years of support for Robert once learning about that tape, the clear plan is to try and take me down because Ive been so vocal, she explained. This decades-long history of abuse was documented through witness and survivor testimony in the dream hampton produced documentary Surviving R. Kelly which aired on Lifetime this past January. We later found out that the alleged little girl was the niece of R&B singer Sparkle best know for her smash hit slow cut Be Careful with R. Kelly himself. She. She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. "I know my family. In the old video footage, Kelly can be seen engaging in sex acts with the young girl, whom he also urinates on. I cant help he lies told on me & under oath at the.. & cause ya Momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify.. [shrug emoji].. In one of his few public comments on the issue, Kelly told Chicago radio station WGCI-FM in Chicago on April 4 that he couldn't comment on much of the scandal, per his attorney's advice. "Surviving R.Kelly," a Lifetime docu-series that's airing in six parts on three nights about musician R. Kelly, has reinvigorated the public's interest in the long list of accusations made against the controversial singer. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sparkle: Directed by Sam O'Steen. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. Singer Sparkle found herself in the middle of R. Kellys federal child pornography trial. Recording artist Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards accused R. Kelly of having sex with her 14-year-old niece at his 2008 trial. You may recall in the 2008 trial against Kelly, the girl in the tape along with her family members refused to testify against the singer. Career. . They would pretty much drop me off and then leave, she said about her parents and the introduction by her aunt. A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). She also spoke out in September 2021 after the singerwas convictedof nine counts of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges, and sentenced to 30 years behind bars. "Of course not. Celebrate (From "Sparkle") Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks. Since the alleged R. Kelly sex tapes first hit the media two months ago, the primary question has been if the girl featured on the 27-minute tape, currently under investigation by the Chicago police, was actually underage, since her identity had been kept hidden. Sparkle has long asserted that her niece was abused by Kelly. The Times reports, her lawyer says she is now cooperating with authorities. Her testimony sliced her family into factions, relegating her to years of . Sparkle also heard the news of her niece's testimony and took to Instagram to discuss the allegations. She would go on to release a successful self-titled album in 1998, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. Following the allegations made in court, Sparkle took to social media to issue a video statement denying the claims. She told me that I should ask him to be my godfather, she shared according to CNN, explaining that deepening the relationship established trust. The woman, who is now in her 30s and had been identified by singer Sparkle as her niece, had refused to testify against R. Kelly in his 2008 trial, which resulted in his acquittal. As news of Janes testimony went public, Sparkle took to social media to refute the claims. Sparkle: Directed by Salim Akil. Our societys awareness and understanding of sexual assault has increased while Kellys funds have dwindled. I was ashamed.. Sparkle Live Music (@sparklelivemusic) Instagram photos and videos sparklelivemusic 731 posts 1,870 followers 467 following Sparkle Live Music Musician/band We play your dream music soundtrack Put a Sparkle in your big day. You cant stifle me. I went at it alone. In the indictment, Kelly gave the girl and her family gifts, money before and after the trial in exchange for her lying to investigators, being unavailable for interviews and refusing to testify against him. Its not clear to what extent shes working with investigators, but her attorney, Christopher L. Brown, confirmed that she is indeed cooperating. All Rights Reserved, Follow Us on Snapchat for All Our Breaking News, Kelly was accused of abusing Sparkles niece, Offset and Quavo Spotted Sitting Apart at NBA Game Following Alleged GRAMMY Argument, Drake Wagers Half a Million Dollars on Jon Jones Victory at UFC 285, Soulja Boy Performs In Front Of Seemingly Low-Energy Crowd At Rolling Loud. "I'm beyond pleased to finally hear the mountain I've tirelessly worked on moving over the. Mar. he asked. We later found out that the alleged little girl was the niece of R&B singer Sparkle best know for her smash hit slow cut 'Be Careful' with R. Kelly himself. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. What, exactly, is the relationship between Kelly and Sparkle, and what are the claims being made against the infamous artist? R. Kellys new case may end differently than his last. Sparkle's age is 47. While the survivors have now found justice, Sparkle said she still feels guilty for introducing her niece to Kelly in 1997. Singer Sparkle, who formerly recorded with Kelly, says Landfair is her niece. "I have an ex-manager that's been on my back," he said. It's messed up. In an Instagram video, Sparkle called the confusion a family feud and stated that she wanted to put a few things in context., Absolutely NOT!! TikTok video from Samke Ndlovu INdlovu (@samkeindlovukaz): "#Aunty and Niece Challenge ". She added that there is a family feud, and the victims testimony is a clear plan to try to take her down.. Jane, one of multiple alleged victims set to take the stand, revealed under oath that she was the teenager with Kelly in the explicit video recording that resulted in his arrest and child pornography trial in 2008. "A lot of people know about it, but when the smoke clears, you guys will really be able to know exactly what is going on. Home. In the 1960s, three sisters form a girl group and soon become local sensations with major label interest, but fame becomes a challenge as the close-knit family begins to fall apart. All Rights Reserved. Its no secret the original R Kelly having relations with a minor (allegedly) video was all over the streets on VHS. The victims aunt is a singer named Sparkle, who agreed to testify in the 2008 trial and identified Kelly as the man in the video and her niece as the girl. The alleged victim on the tape is also the niece of the singer Sparkle, whom Kelly mentored as an artist early in her career. With Philip Michael Thomas, Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith. Among the issues covered in the investigatory program were allegations made by a former Kelly protege, Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards. All Rights Reserved. BridgetEE: A Music and Entertainment blogger/ Historian / Global Grind Freelance Writer In the recent federal indictment, he was accused of paying off the girl and her family so they would lie for him and not cooperate with investigators. His Masters Are Missing: New R. Kelly Music, I Admit, Unauthorized, Pulled from Streaming Services, The Man is In Prison: Tevin Campbell Receives Backlash After Stating R. Kelly Could Go Against Usher In a Verzuz Battle. "I wanted this to go away. Still, she admitted, she hadn't had the same level of success on her sophomore album with Motown as she did with her Kelly-produced debut, and she hadn't received any royalties from Kelly. Experience Celebrating The Life Of De La Souls Trugoy The Dove, Tennessee GOP Representative Sorry After Suggesting Hanging By Tree For Executions, C-Murder Reveals Hunger Strike, Claims Health Has Significantly Declined Due To Prison Conditions, TikTok Celebrates Visionary Voices In Black Creatives For Black History Month, R. Kellys Sisters Believe His 30-Year Sentence Is Rooted In Racism. He rose to fame after singing as an eight-year-old in church before winning a $100,000 grand prize on the syndicated US television talent show, "Big Break," hosted by Natalie Cole. Genson pointed out that the girl is seen receiving money on the tape. Sparkle went on to sign with Motown Records and released a second album, titled "Told You So," in 2000. Though Kelly has talked to local Chicago media about the scandal, he hasn't addressed a lot of the questions people have about the tapes. Sparkle prayed for her niece to one day tell the truth and shame the devil and for them to be a family again. I believe that [the police] have a lot that they are actually going to bring to light.". Sparkle did, however, testify against Kelly when he was on trial for child porn that featured her niece. Those who have been following the scandal were shocked to hear Sparkles testimony because she has long advocated for R. Kellys imprisonment for what he is accused of doing to her niece. In her traumatic account, she recalled her aunt introducing her to Kelly and encouraging her to build a close relationship with the now-disgraced singer. (Several other people have also identified the girl and Kelly on the tape during testimony. because you deserve it! Nope, Sparkle didn't take a payout meanwhile R sending them on trips and paying for their houses. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois and first met Kelly in 1989. Kellys defense team had argued that the girl and Kelly could not be identified in the tape, and some jurors said the girls refusal to testify made it difficult to convict him. She says her. Kelly got emotional during the sit-down and alleged that he is "fighting for his . The Times. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. But let me chill. Sparkle's niece who was 14 years old was alleged to be the young girl in the video tape that went viral on the streets before going viral was such a thing. Kelly faces 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sparkle is best known for her 1998 R&B debut hit single 'Be Careful '. Latest dancehall and hip hop news and music at your fingertips. Though his attorney argued that he was not a flight risk and had appeared at all of his court appointments on time, a judge denied bond calling the case extraordinarily serious.. Prosecutors say he victimized 12 women, at least eight of whom were underage at the time of the events. The woman who previously testified against Kelly in 2008 and was the one who brought the sex tapes to the victims parents knowledge says that she had the greatest of intentions when she spoke up against Kelly, but her life was made hell by the victims mother. The decision, many believe, ultimately resulted in the jury acquitting the singer. Sparkle added that she and Kelly were never romantically involved as painted by the victim. At times sniffling and dabbing her eyes and her nose with a tissue, Sparkle appeared to be on the verge of tears but remained composed, although she also became defiant when Genson had his turn and accused the R&B singer of trying to take revenge against Kelly for terminating her record-label contract. Sparkle Addresses Niece's Testimony Against R. Kelly The singer used social media to "put a few things in context." By DeMicia Inman August 22, 2022 4:12pm Singer R. Kelly leaves the. She eventually became a key witness in Kelly's 2008 child pornography case, claiming that the young girl in the video in question was her 14-year-old niece. ), "I watched a few seconds of it, and I refused to watch the rest," Adra Gengler testified. So I feel a responsibility for that also, although I'm not responsible for his actions, I feel responsible for even taking her there. "Hampton spoke to me and spoke to my management," Edwards continued. According to THE CUT Sparkle, whose real name is Stephanie Edwards, has been trying to convince the world that Kelly sexually abused her teenage niece. Sparkle explains that she testified against Kelly in court, although he allegedly tried to bribe her. For years, Sparkle has made claims about Kelly allegedly abusing her niece . Sparkle was horrified when she discovered that it was her niece at the center of Kelly's 2002 child pornography indictment. Here's Where to Find the Best Corned Beef in Cleveland! CHICAGO -- "Sweetie, I'm not trying to get any money for this!". Since the news of her nieces cooperation has been made public, Sparkle says she is thrilled. The long-running criminal case of R. Kelly consistently takes strange turns that leaves fans perplexed and for which the case becomes more complicated. She's being exposed to the world. - YouTube 0:00 / 25:48 Intro EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea Kelly. MadameNoire is a sophisticated lifestyle publication that gives African-American women the latest in fashion trends, When she watched the recording, she said, she recognized her niece, "You know your blood," Sparkle said. Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, a recording artist as well, was born on May 13, 1975. Sparkle said that she had discussions with Hankerson, who was also Aaliyah's uncle, about signing to his Blackground record label about two weeks before Aaliyah's death in 2001, but that discussions fell apart. Whitten Sabbatini for . Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), singer began grooming the 14-year-old victim and began having sex with her at just 15 years, Prosecutors are pushing for another conviction, R. Kelly being sentenced to 30 years in prison, R. Kelly and Joycelyn Savages Father Denies She Gave Birth To His Baby, R. Kellys Unauthorized Album I Did It Removed From Streaming Services, DJ Envy, Lil Mama, Erica Mena Calls Out Angela Yee Over Breakfast Club Claims, Nicki Minaj Launches Own Record Label, Skeng Among First Signees, Popcaan and Squash 6ixx Boss Clash On IG Igniting Beef, Nicki Minaj New Song Red Ruby Da Sleeze Debut At No. We talked about business. In her video, Sparkle read a statement from her phone and said, "Not all that you heard yesterday from my niece is true. No," she said. He did say, however, that not all the evidence had been revealed (see [article id="1453299"]"R. Kelly Settles Civil Suit, Defends Himself On Radio"[/article]). Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldn't be more thrilled about it. "Anger? READ: Report: R. Kellys Former Staffers Gave Feds 20 More Sex Tapes with Minors. Bop Shop: Songs From J-Hope And J. 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"I had a nasty taste in my mouth after seeing what I saw, and after many people, you know, didn't want me to speak out," Edwards told ET. The young girl who was recorded in the infamous and wide-spread tape of R. Kelly engaging in sexual acts is going back on years of precedence and cooperating with investigators in the child pornography case against the R&B singer. This ongoing R. Kelly trial has caused one of the disgraced singer's former artists to come forward to defend herself. Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly . 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. Kelly faces 14 counts of child pornography -- seven for directing, seven for producing. One of the first witnesses to take the stand this week was Kellys victim that was featured on the original sex tape that leaked. While a lot of people thinking that Sparkle was the one who introduced her niece to R Kelly and left her there, she explains that there were many other family members more involved than she was. Sparkle, born Stephanie Edwards, issued a video statement denying the claims. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. Picture Perfect Poster Girl: Taylour Paige Stars As "Boogie's" Leading Lady, UPDATE: Jesseca Dupart Denies That LisaRaye Found Out About Da Brat's Pregnancy Via Social Media, Your Weekly Helping Of Tidday Meats & Treats On The Gram, Cougar Chronicles! If you are in your 40s you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). As of today, they're still investigating the situation. Sparkle replied with a strong denial. SEPTEMBER 17: Singer R. Kelly appears standing beside his attorney, Steven Greenberg during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on September 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Sparkle, the girl in the picture and a few others confirmed it was said niece, but the rest of the nieces family said it was . That I should rub his head and ask him to take that role in my life., Sparkle denied any wrongdoing when a social media user questioned her about being the aunt who was mentioned during the testimony. The girl I knew was always bubbly, but she seems like a robot in that video. Earlier this week, Kelly who wore ankle shackles along with his orange jumpsuit, pled not guilty to the charges. Meanwhile, Sparkle, real name Stephanie Edwards, has come out in her own defence and claims that her niece has lied on the stand as she did not push her to be involved with Kelly. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Sparkles niece ended up in court before the side settle, and Sparkle who said she rode for her niece, fell out with Robert Kelly, however her family turned their back on her in the fallout out of everything. During an Instagram broadcast, she decided to put a few things in context.. Yesterday, R. Kelly sat down with Gayle King for his first interview since new allegations of sexual abuse against the singer have been revealed, most due in part to Lifetime's docu-series, Surviving R. Kelly. Sparkle testified against Kelly in 2008 but, as we all know, he was found not guilty. She attributed details of her nieces testimony to misguidance and the inability to think independently. Heres Why. "It's crazy and torn up, in every way imaginable," she said. He has pleaded not guilty. In the meantime, Kelly has hired private investigator Jack Palladino to help build his defense, Palladino's office confirmed. She admits that some things went down but now she is saying her aunt encouraged it. We publish narratives intentionally and specifically to enlighten and transform the world. She said she regretted bringing her niece to Kelly's studio and later his home -- "my mistake," Sparkle said. But things have changed since 2008. Sparkle, however, disputed the witness account after a social media user questioned her about it. Advancing the culture and building bridges. "She kept coming down with me," she told the station, "which was [a] safe [situation] at the time. Her family also wouldnt be a witness for prosecutors, but things are different now. Sparkle was the first and only successful artist to release an album on Kelly's Rockland label.Sparkle's dbut album, the self-titled Sparkle, was released on May 19, 1998.The album debuted at No. ", Though it's causing division within her family, Sparkle said that she's aiding the Chicago police investigation. Black women Both have pleaded not guilty. According to a report in The New York Times, the young girl who appeared in the infamous tape that showed the R&B singer performing sex acts and urinating on the then-14-year-old is now cooperating with prosecutors. The video was of a man urinating on a little girl while she called him daddy. Sparkles niece recently confronted something against her aunt and as a result, Sparkle claimed that her niece had lied about her. ", Genson then made a comment about the girl on the tape looking like a willing participant. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. (Genson tripped her up on cross, when she said she was never in possession of the tape, even though her brother and his ex-wife had testified that she was.) Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. Although a jury acquitted R. Kelly,. I know them. I'm happy to see the #MeToo movement and Time's Up movement are backing these women. 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