A massive new report claims R&B mainstay R Kelly is in a series of physically and psychologically abusive relationships with a number of young women, who he has manipulated into living in a “cult”-like environment.
For BuzzFeed News, Jim DeRogatis spoke with three former members of the singer’s inner circle, who claim that six women were housed in two of Kelly’s Duluth and Chicago properties over the summer.
Cheryl Mack, Kelly’s former personal assistant, claims that Kelly – who originally spent time with the women under the auspices of professional mentoring – requires they live under a set of strict rules. She alleges Kelly forbids them from using the bathroom or getting food without his express permission, and that he is effectively a “master at mind control.”
Two other women who were formerly part of Kelly’s entourage told DeRogatis that Kelly also monitors their social media and mobile phone use. The families of several of the women reportedly living in Kelly’s residences spoke to the outlet, saying contact with the women is minimal.
It’s also alleged that Kelly requires the women to dress in jogging suits to hide their figures, as he doesn’t want other men looking at the women he calls his “babies.” DeRogatis’ sources also lay several allegations of physical abuse by Kelly against the women after their interactions with other men.
The piece also claims Kelly films their sexual encounters, and shows them to other men in his entourage.
So worried are some family members that they have asked police to perform welfare checks; however, as each of the women is above the age of consent – and since those questioned by authorities asserted that everything was okay – police have been unable to intervene.
Kelly was famously acquitted in 2014 of child pornography charges, stemming from a video which Illinois state prosecutors alleged showed him having sex with a 14-year-old. He has also settled a number of civil suits outside court for an undisclosed amount of cash.
A representative for Kelly has responded to the story by saying the singer is “both alarmed and disturbed at the recent revelations attributed to him.”
“Mr. Kelly unequivocally denies such allegations and will work diligently and forcibly to pursue his accusers and clear his name.”
Read the full piece right HERE.
