Sony Music has reportedly decided to end its relationship with singer R. Kelly, after years’ worth of sexual misconduct allegations against him were highlighted by a recent documentary.
Variety first reported the news, via a source who said that “no external announcement of the move is planned in the immediate future”, and that the label took its time to “avoid legal ramifications.”
Kelly’s name was removed from the RCA Records website overnight. RCA is a subsidiary of Sony, and its roster includes the likes of A$ap Rocky, Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake.
The singer’s last release for RCA was a Christmas-themed album in 2016, and his back catalogue will remain with the label, but an album planned for this year will presumably not go ahead with them.
Neither RCA nor Sony have commented on the move, but a representative for Kelly claimed that he had “outgrown” his old home and that other labels are “very interested” in working with him.
Lady Gaga recently removed her 2013 R. Kelly collaboration ‘Do What U Want‘ from streaming services and online stores, and was reportedly “furious” to learn that Google Play were still selling it as of several days ago, the result of an apparent oversight.
Celine Dion has also removed her 1998 R. Kelly duet ‘I’m Your Angel‘ from streaming platforms. The song appears on a number of R. Kelly releases on which he is credited as primary artist, but per her request, it no longer features on any releases attributed to Dion.
