Underplayed Gems

Surviving R. Kelly (2019)

Surviving R. Kelly poster
Directed by
Nigel Bellis, Astral Finnie
Genre
documentary television program
Country
United States
Length
1 season, 6 episodes
Rated
TV-14
Rating
7.2 of 10 from 54 voters
Elsewhere
IMDb
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How it feels

This documentary series interviews survivors and associates to detail the sexual abuse allegations against musician R. Kelly. It covers the patterns of abuse and the systems that enabled him. The series also shows the public and legal fallout after the allegations aired.

investigativesomberfactualunsettlingemotionalearnestslow-paceddisturbing

What happens

Surviving R. Kelly is an American documentary television series detailing sexual abuse allegations against American singer Robert "R." Kelly. Its first season aired on Lifetime over three nights, from January 3 to January 5, 2019. Filmmaker and music critic Dream Hampton served as executive producer together with Joel Karsberg, Jesse Daniels and Tamra Simmons. Musicians Chance the Rapper, John Legend and Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards appeared in the documentary. Its premiere episode on January 3, 2019, was Lifetime's highest-rated program in more than two years, with 2 million total viewers. It received critical acclaim, with a 95% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The documentary also spurred several musicians who previously collaborated with Kelly on projects, including Lady Gaga and Ciara, to condemn Kelly and remove their works with him from streaming services. Shortly after the docuseries aired, Kelly's final record label, RCA Records, dissolved its working relationship with him and effectively ended his career. In February 2019, Kelly was arrested and charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. In June 2022, Kelly was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison in connection with his sexual crimes. A second season titled Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning premiered on January 2, 2020. A final season titled Surviving R. Kelly: The Final Chapter premiered on January 2, 2023. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

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