Lady Gaga‘s 2013 track collaboration with R. Kelly, ‘Do What U Want (With My Body)’ has been removed from streaming services, following Gaga’s apology this week.
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In a statement shared on Thursday, the artist apologised for the collaboration and revealed she would be removing the song from streaming platforms with no intention of working with Kelly again.
Kelly is the subject of the six-part documentary series, Surviving R. Kelly, in which multiple women allege he sexually abused them. The documentary also reveals new allegations of sexual, mental, and physical abuse from survivors and past associates.
‘Do What U Want’ has been removed from Spotify and Apple Music and is unavailable for purchase on Amazon Music. However, the remix version of the song featuring Christina Aguilera – who has recently voiced her support for Gaga’s actions – is still online.
The official audio video also appears to have been pulled from Gaga’s YouTube channel.
In her statement, Gaga wrote that though she “can’t go back” she “can go forward and continue to support women, men, and people of all sexual identities, and of all races, who are victims of sexual assault.”
You can read her full statement below.
I stand by anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault: pic.twitter.com/67sz4WpV3i
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) January 10, 2019
Gaga is now one of many high profiled artists who have denounced Kelly.
John Legend, who appears in the documentary, recently took to Twitter to slam Kelly as a “serial child rapist”.
“To everyone telling me how courageous I am for appearing in the doc, it didn’t feel risky at all. I believe these women and don’t give a fuck about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision,” Legend tweeted.
In a series of Instagram Stories, Kelly’s daughter Buku Abi lashed out at her father, calling him a “monster”.
“To the people who feel I should be speaking up/against everything that is going on right now. I just want you all to understand that devastated is an understatement for all that I feel currently. I do [apologise] if my silence to all that is happening comes off as careless. That is my last intention. I pray for all the families & women who have been affected by my father’s actions. Trust, I have been deeply affected by all this.”
Kelly has denied all allegations against him.
This article discusses allegations of sexual abuse. If you would like to talk to a counsellor about sexual abuse, please contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000.
