Lifetime Releases Trailer for ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ Docuseries

Surviving R. Kelly (Credit: Lifetime)

The images are harrowing and the interviews heartbreaking in the first trailer for Surviving R. Kelly.

Lifetime released the video on Monday. The network says the project will deliver “the untold story” of the sexual abuse allegations against R&B singer R. Kelly, including claims that he ran a sex cult and abused underage African-American girls.

“There’s a difference between R. Kelly and Robert,” a woman’s voice says in the two-minute clip. “R. Kelly’s this fun, laughing, loving guy… But Robert is the devil.”

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Sparkle appears in Surviving R. Kelly (Credit: Lifetime)
Sparkle breaks down in the trailer. (Credit: Lifetime)

“He ain’t a monster by himself,” R&B singer Sparkle says in the trailer after breaking down in tears. “It took some help.”

The project includes dozens of interviews with the singer’s accusers, as well as with celebrities, including John Legend, Wendy Williams, Sparkle and #MeToo movement founder, Tarana Burke.

The singer’s ex-wife, Andrea Kelly, who has previously accused him of domestic violence, also participated in the docuseries.

Kelly is one of the most successful R&B artists of all time. His hit “I Believe I Can Fly” won him three Grammys in 1998. Among his other mega-hits were “Bump n’ Grind,” “Trapped In The Closet,” “I Wish,” “Step In The Name of Love,” “Fiesta” and “When a Woman’s Fed Up.”

For years, the prolific songwriter, singer, and producer was followed by allegations that he abused young women and girls.

He has always denied the allegations against him, and was acquitted in a 2008 state trial in Chicago on child pornography charges after the alleged victim refused to testify.

Surviving R. Kelly will air in three installments starting on Thursday, January 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.