She writes for Thirsty for News, covering world news and entertainment. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. Singer R. Kelly leaves the Leighton Criminal Courts Building following a hearing on June 26, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Without Wayne Shorters Weather Report, Jazz Rap Wouldnt Be What It Is, Fans Are Overjoyed to See De La Soul Albums on DSPs, 9 New Hip-Hop & R&B Albums You Should Be Listening To (Week of March 3), Larry June & The Alchemist Announce Joint Album The Great Escape. Among the issues covered in the investigatory program were allegations made by a former Kelly protege, Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards. Sparkle testified against Kelly in 2008 but, as we all know, he was found not guilty. R Kellys Sister Says Hes The Victim of Lies & Racism, C-Murder On A Hunger Strike Protesting Prison Conditions, Meet Kym Sellers Family First Storm Shyanne Sellers [VIDEO], Maryland Mayor Arrested On 56 Counts Of Child Pornography. (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.) But now people are seeing.". Whats The Deal With This R. Kelly Album That Dropped? 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. MadameNoire Copyright 2023 BossipMadameNoire, LLC All Rights Reserved | BHM Digital, a federal indictment, of paying the girl and her father to lie to investigators. Yes, Sparkle identified the 14-year-old as her sister's daughter and that the girl was engaging in filth with the Pied Piper of R&Pee. No," she said. According to the niece that is identified as Jane Doe, her aunt said,That I should rub his head and ask him to take that role in my life. as the young teens Godfather. Whats your take on it? "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. On Tuesday, after Kelly pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, a Chicago judge ordered him to remain behind bars without bond, where hes being kept away from general population for safety reasons. The singer expressed hurt and called the testimony a result of their "family feud." In addition, Sparkle revealed that her niece attempting to implicate her in the case is an "absolute will of her mom" and an "unfortunate . Sign up to receive The Atlanta Black Star Newsletter in your inbox. One of the disgraced singer's former artists has stepped forward to defend herself in the ongoing R. Kelly trial. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Genson pointed out that the girl is seen receiving money on the tape. Sparkle first started singing in her fa Stephanie Edwards (born May 13, 1975), better known by her stage name Sparkle is an American RB singer. 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. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Last week in court R. Kellys original case, Sparkles niece at 30 plus years took the stand to testify. Sparkle testified at trial in 2008 that the man in the video was Mr. Kelly, and that the girl was her 14-year-old niece. Anyway, this tape leaked and Sparkle recognised it to be her niece, other people did too and that's when R Kelly facing his trial of raping a minor, filming it etc was in courts (that tape being the one he peed on her). One of the first witnesses to take the stand this week was Kellys victim that was featured on the original sex tape that leaked. "I have an ex-manager that's been on my back," he said. We were very cordial.". Since the news of her nieces cooperation has been made public, Sparkle says she is thrilled. Sparkle added that she and Kelly were never romantically involved as painted by the victim. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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].. Kelly has been charged with multiple sex crimes involving four women, three of whom were underage at the time of the alleged encounters. The Times. I believe that [the police] have a lot that they are actually going to bring to light.". Lets continue to pray for healing in this family. Now lets observe what transpires in the court. If convicted, Kelly would face the maximum of 195 years in prison. Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei) Instagram photos and videos isparklei Follow 180 posts 27.5K followers 395 following Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) Musician Obstacle Course EP - 7/13 Response To The Verdict @thecut Life Feat. I cant help the lies told on me & under oath at all & cause ya momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify, she said. ", Sparkle wasn't the only witness to get emotional on the stand Thursday. Ivie is a Nigerian-American, native New Yorker, and journalist covering, Report: R. Kellys Former Staffers Gave Feds 20 More Sex Tapes with Minors, R. Kelly Sentenced to 20 Years For Child Sex Crimes, R. Kelly Silenced Aaliyah & Her Family With Non-Disclosure Agreement After 1995 Marriage Annulment, Watch the Trailer For Surviving R. Kelly Part III: The Final Chapter. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. Sparkle was also the one to call her family members when she would find out that the niece was alone in the studio with him. 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. because you deserve it! Sparkle prayed for her niece to one day tell the truth and shame the devil and for them to be a family again. Cardi B and Offset Meal Boycotted By Several McDonalds Franchise Owners, Gary Owens Estranged Wife Clowns His New Boo On The Gram, Da Brat Reveals Shes Pregnant at 48, Expecting Baby With Wife Jesseca Judy Dupart, R. Kelly Sentenced to 20 Years for Child Sex Crimes in Illinois. Photo Credit: Gary Miller for Getty Images). Genson suggested that Sparkle next tried to conspire with former Kelly manager Barry Hankerson "about doing something bad to Robert. Sparkle has since thanked "Surviving R. Kelly" producer Dream Hampton for once again bringing attention to the alleged crimes. Sparkle, who had a hit with Kelly in 1998 called "Be Careful," told radio DJ Adimu of the Beat (KKBT) on April 3 that her niece was a fledging rapper whom she introduced to Kelly. In this courtroom sketch, a woman who goes by pseudonym Jane, left, testifies in R. Kellys trial in federal court, Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, in Chicago. Sparkle, however, disputed the witness account after a social media user questioned her about it. The decades-long crusade cost the 46-year-old her closest relationships and stifled her own music career. Sparkle, born Stephanie Edwards, issued a video statement denying the claims. Sparkle, who is reportedly the aunt of the 14-year-old who testified that she was introduced to R. Kelly by her aunt, who encouraged her to ask the singer to be his god-daughter and entice him by rubbing his head and sitting on his lap, is disputing the claim. Since the news of her niece's cooperation has been made public, Sparkle says she is thrilled. She said this took place during a time when other members of her family also had a working relationship with the singer (Sparkle's brother-in-law, for instance, played guitar for Kelly, she said). Please say its not you., Takeoff Shot in Head and Torso, According to Coroner Report, Aaron Carter Pulled Over On Suspicion Of DUI While Driving RV. "It's hurtful to my sister, to my brother-in-law and to my niece, especially, because it's all her. The prosecution has not responded to the claim. But things have changed since 2008. EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea Kelly & Lisa VA Have S E X Tape! Sparkle: Directed by Sam O'Steen. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. It's disgusting. As of today, they're still investigating the situation. "You have no idea whether this was put together by someone trying to get money from Robert, do you?" 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. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. Sparkle added that her niece, sister and brother-in-law all reported that nothing was going on, however. Her family also wouldnt be a witness for prosecutors, but things are different now. Sparkle has long asserted that her niece was abused by Kelly. Blog. Naked Pic of Serena Williams Goes Viral! (Several other people have also identified the girl and Kelly on the tape during testimony. Kellys trial is ongoing, with the sex tapes of other underaged victims set to be played for jurors. Sparkle has publicly spoken out against Kelly in multiple formats, including in the 2019 Surviving R. Kelly docuseries that led to his most recent charges and convictions. At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. All Rights Reserved. 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. "I know my family. ", "No," she said. 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. Her family eventually began to allow her to visit with Kelly without an adult present. There are a lot of people who are very jealous of me right now and they're trying to destroy me.". MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Former protégé of R. Kelly makes allegations on Los Angeles radio station. Following the allegations made in court, Sparkle took to social media to issue a video statement denying the claims. I was ashamed.. Sparkle has responded in a video (see below) to her nieces testimony: Absolutely NOT!! Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly . According to reports, Sparkle was allegedly suggested by the niece. Its not clear to what extent shes working with investigators, but her attorney, Christopher L. Brown, confirmed that she is indeed cooperating. "He made her do [those sexual acts]," she said. It's messed up. According to The New York Times, the girl in the video is now working with investigators after the disgraced singer was arrested last week on a slew of federal charges, including sex trafficking, child pornography and obstruction of justice. She went on to claim that Sparkle was the one who introduced her to Kelly, saying her auntencouraged her to rub Kellys headand sit on his lap. Fast forwarding to now, R Kelly pretty much got a life sentence plus he still has more charges to face. By Kelly Butler. 5 Infamous Murder Cases Involving Athletes, Deadly Day for Rappers XXXTentacion and Wopo. Both have pleaded not guilty. With Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps. They would pretty much drop me off and then leave, she said about her parents and the introduction by her aunt. His response thus far has been that the tapes are fabricated and that he's been blackmailed. Last week, Kellywas arrested for an additional 13 counts of federal sex trafficking and child pornography charges. 8771 1829 linktr.ee/sparklelivemusic Posts Reels Tagged Show More Posts from sparklelivemusic Latest dancehall and hip hop news and music at your fingertips. Though she hadn't witnessed anything between Kelly and her niece that could be considered inappropriate, Sparkle said she saw hints of things that she didn't want to acknowledge at the time, "little hints of something, little touches," that in hindsight concerned her. Custom Content Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand . In the meantime, Kelly has hired private investigator Jack Palladino to help build his defense, Palladino's office confirmed. 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. She admits that some things went down but now she is saying her aunt encouraged it. which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. Her family would rather keep the matter quiet, she said, even if that means protecting an alleged predator. 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!! The alleged victim on the tape is also the niece of the singer Sparkle, whom Kelly mentored as an artist early in her career. To what degree, singer, Sparkle's niece, is cooperating with authorities is still not official. NBA Bans Donald Sterling For Life after Racist Comments. 3 min read Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as "Jane" in R.. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. Advancing the culture and building bridges. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Sparkle is best known for her 1998 R&B debut hit single 'Be Careful '. Who wouldn't be [disgusted]? The video was of a man urinating on a little girl while she called him daddy. 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. 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! For years, Sparkle has made claims about Kelly allegedly abusing her niece . Celebrate (From "Sparkle") Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks. Nope, Sparkle didn't take a payout meanwhile R sending them on trips and paying for their houses. R. Kelly was later acquitted of all charges. ", Though it's causing division within her family, Sparkle said that she's aiding the Chicago police investigation. I also did not want that person to be me, Jane testified. Singer Sparkle found herself in the middle of R. Kellys federal child pornography trial. | Follow on Twitter: @BridgetEE and IG: @Bridgetee26, Source: MadameNoire.com/iOne Digital / MadameNoire. But let me chill. Kelly faces 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sparkle stated that her niece was "doing the will of her mom," who she says has allegiance to R. Kelly. 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. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. "Hampton spoke to me and spoke to my management," Edwards continued. In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost her the relationship with her family. Will No Longer Be Pursuing These Indictments: Chicago Prosecutor Drops Sex-Abuse Charges Against Singer R. Kelly Months After Conviction. But I didnt know that a bomb was coming.. She said there was no bitterness between her and Kelly over the split: "He was my homeboy. As of now, Sparkles niece and her attorney have yet to respond to Sparkles claim she lied on the stand. In 2002, Kelly re-entered Sparkle's life when a video that appeared to depict sex between Kelly and a 14-year-old came to the attention of police. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. We publish narratives intentionally and specifically to enlighten and transform the world. seek information on a wide variety of topics including African-American hair care, health issues, relationship Featured On. 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. Those suspicions were heightened after a now-infamous video, which shows Kelly intimately engaging. R. Kellys new case may end differently than his last.