Black Women Swap Horror Stories in ‘Surviving R. Kelly’

By Sameer Rao Oct 23, 2018

Survivors of R. Kelly‘s alleged serial sexual abuse of Black girls and women join their own families and members of the singer’s inner circle for "Surviving R. Kelly." Lifetime previewed the documentary series, which will air nightly January 3-5, with a new trailer yesterday (October 22).

"The true story of R. Kelly’s controversial past will be revealed, beginning in 1970 through present day, [and] shedding light on the R&B star whose history of alleged abuse of underage African-American girls has, until recently, been largely ignored by mainstream media," says Lifetime’s website.

"Surviving R. Kelly" tells this story through more than 50 interviews from survivors and allies like former girlfriend Kitti Jones, ex-collaborator Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards and Me Too Movement founder Tarana Burke. Bruce and Carey Kelly also appear on camera to talk about their brother, according to Lifetime.

"Some very brave Black women have trusted us with their stories, their truth and their trauma,” executive producer dream hampton told Rolling Stone. “They are survivors, and I’m honored to share their stories with the world.”