R. Kelly plans to return to the stage, despite the growing backlash over sex abuse allegations made against him in the Lifetime docuseries, Surviving R. Kelly.
The R&B singer took to social media Tuesday, to announce he’ll soon be launching an international tour, although he didn’t mention any stops in the U.S.
“NEW TOUR ALERT,” Kelly wrote on Twitter, saying he plans to perform in Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. “See ya’ll Soon!”
https://twitter.com/rkelly/status/1092826186281975808
Kelly’s tweet prompted hundreds of comments and reaction was definitely mixed.
“Damn wish I can be there to see you,” one fan replied.
“Get ittttttttttttt Kellz!!! Still a loyal ride or die #chicity fan,” another person responded.
Someone else suggested the singer should add a stop in France, writing: “Man don’t forget Paris.”
Read More: Activists Announce Boycott of Radio Stations Playing R. Kelly Music
But others slammed the Fiesta singer-songwriter, and said they were disgusted.
“I’m glad that you are warning the underage girls in Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka,” one person replied.
Someone else referenced the singer’s infamous sex tape, writing, “Don’t pee on nobody over there.”
Another person wrote: “Go away.”
Kelly’s tour announcement comes amid fallout from Surviving R. Kelly. The docuseries premiered on Jan. 3, and addressed claims that the performer had sex with underage girls, ran a sex “cult” and abused his ex-wife, Andrea Kelly.
Read More: Chicago Prosecutor Urges Possible R. Kelly Victims to ‘Come Forward’
In response to the allegations, Sony music — parent company of Kelly’s label RCA Records — parted ways with him after a years-long relationship.
The #MuteRKelly campaign also gained momentum and some of the singer’s former collaborators said they regretted working with him, including Lady Gaga, who called the allegations “horrifying.”
Meanwhile, activists in Los Angeles threatened to boycott radio stations that continue to play Kelly’s music.
The singer’s attorney, Steve Greenberg, has said his client is being unfairly accused.
“The allegations aren’t true because he never knowingly had sex with an underage woman, he never forced anyone to do anything, he never held anyone captive, he never abused anyone,” Greenberg said in a statement.
