"It's crazy and torn up, in every way imaginable," she said. I was ashamed.. Sparkle has long asserted that her niece was abused by Kelly. ", More cases against R. Kelly will come forward, Sparkle predicted, if they don't settle out of court first. No," she said. Anyway, this tape leaked and Sparkle recognised it to be her niece, other people did too and that's when R Kelly facing his trial of raping a minor, filming it etc was in courts (that tape being the one he peed on her). I also did not want that person to be me, Jane testified. According to The New York Times, the girl in the video is now working with investigators after the disgraced singer was arrested last week on a slew of federal charges, including sex trafficking, child pornography and obstruction of justice. If convicted, he'd have to register as a sex offender. MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 'You just know your family. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldn't be more thrilled about it. Prosecutors say he victimized 12 women, at least eight of whom were underage at the time of the events. An R&B singer who was once Kelly's protg, Sparkle testified for more than an hour and a half Thursday afternoon during Kelly's child-pornography trial, describing how she introduced her niece to Kelly, how she later came to discover that the sex tape existed, and how that drove her family apart. In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost her the relationship with her family. He has pleaded not guilty. In "Surviving R. Kelly," Edwards discusses Kelly's behavior toward her while they worked together. But now people are seeing.". Sparkle added that her niece, sister and brother-in-law all reported that nothing was going on, however. Sparkle thinks that allegiance to Robert still exists. Sparkle: Directed by Salim Akil. She says her. R Kellys Sister Says Hes The Victim of Lies & Racism, C-Murder On A Hunger Strike Protesting Prison Conditions, Meet Kym Sellers Family First Storm Shyanne Sellers [VIDEO], Maryland Mayor Arrested On 56 Counts Of Child Pornography. Sparkle replied with a strong denial. R. Kelly was later acquitted of all charges. But I didnt know that a bomb was coming.. A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). Chicago police have not charged Kelly, and will only say that their investigation is continuing. According to a report in The New York Times, the young girl who appeared in the infamous tape that showed the R&B singer performing sex acts and urinating on the then-14-year-old is now cooperating with prosecutors. Sparkle explains that she testified against Kelly in court, although he allegedly tried to bribe her. In @nytimes Feat. In the 1960s, three sisters form a girl group and soon become local sensations with major label interest, but fame becomes a challenge as the close-knit family begins to fall apart. Sparkle has since thanked "Surviving R. Kelly" producer Dream Hampton for once again bringing attention to the alleged crimes. ", Though it's causing division within her family, Sparkle said that she's aiding the Chicago police investigation. Celebrate (From "Sparkle") Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks. What is the relationship between the two singers? The Times reports, her lawyer says she is now cooperating with authorities. TikTok video from Samke Ndlovu INdlovu (@samkeindlovukaz): "#Aunty and Niece Challenge ". For full coverage of the case, read the R. Kelly Reports and check out this [article id="1586932"]complete timeline[/article] of the events leading up to the trial. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. You may recall in the 2008 trial against Kelly, the girl in the tape along with her family members refused to testify against the singer. Im beyond pleased to finally hear the mountain Ive tirelessly worked on moving over the years is now being assisted with the help of my niece and her parents! "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]. Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, a recording artist as well, was born on May 13, 1975. "Hampton spoke to me and spoke to my management," Edwards continued. Stephanie Edwards (born May 13, 1975), better known by her stage name Sparkle, is an American R&B singer. Sparkle did try and make up for her mistake, and I don't believe her niece in saying rub his head, I believe the niece is permanently damaged by Robert and her parents and her parents told her to say that to take the blame off of them. The woman who is known as an early protg of Kelly in the 1990s and goes by the stage name Sparkle had previously testified in Kelly's 2008 trial and the 'Surviving R. Kelly' documentary as she had identified her niece as the girl in a porn video that circulated in Chicago. But let me chill. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Sparkle says she became suspicious of R. Kelly's involvement with her teenage niece in 2001. It's messed up. Please say its not you, the user said. "You couldn't break the chain with us. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. She. Several witnesses identified the singer and the girl to authorities afterward, but Kelly was still acquitted of 14 child pornography charges on June 13, 2008. ", Sparkle wasn't the only witness to get emotional on the stand Thursday. The singer used social media to "put a few things in context.". However, her sister Valerie didn't want to do anything about the tape, and the family became divided. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Prosecutors believe that there were many more girls, beyond the initially cited 12, who were victim to Kellys abuse. On Friday, Sparkle took to social media to denounce some of the claims made by her niece on the stand. advice and career trends - and MadameNoire provides all of that. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois and first met Kelly in 1989. Kellys federal trial in Chicago began last week and he is faced with charges of producing and receiving child pornography, enticing minors to engage in criminal sexual activity, and obstruction charges. She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. The video was of a man urinating on a little girl while she called him daddy. "She's like a robot." Genson suggested that Sparkle next tried to conspire with former Kelly manager Barry Hankerson "about doing something bad to Robert. Things heated up when Genson accused her of being in on a scheme to either use the tape to extort Kelly or to make money by mass-producing it. Yesterday, R. Kelly sat down with Gayle King for his first interview since new allegations of sexual abuse against the singer have been revealed, most due in part to Lifetime's docu-series, Surviving R. Kelly. Sparkle prayed for her niece to one day tell the truth and shame the devil and for them to be a family again. Sparkle was the first and only successful artist to release an album on Kelly's Rockland label.Sparkle's dbut album, the self-titled Sparkle, was released on May 19, 1998.The album debuted at No. Experience Celebrating The Life Of De La Souls Trugoy The Dove, Tennessee GOP Representative Sorry After Suggesting Hanging By Tree For Executions, C-Murder Reveals Hunger Strike, Claims Health Has Significantly Declined Due To Prison Conditions, TikTok Celebrates Visionary Voices In Black Creatives For Black History Month, R. Kellys Sisters Believe His 30-Year Sentence Is Rooted In Racism. So I feel a responsibility for that also, although I'm not responsible for his actions, I feel responsible for even taking her there. He is accused of perpetrating these acts against 12 women, at least eight of which were underage at the time he was sexually involved with them. One of the disgraced singers former artists has stepped forward to defend herself in the ongoing R. Kelly trial. On the stand this afternoon, Stephanie Edwards (aka R&B singer Sparkle) says that she introduced the alleged victim, a budding rapper and singer, to Kelly when the three of them met up in the. Jane, one of multiple alleged victims set to take the stand, revealed under oath that she was the teenager with Kelly in the explicit video recording that resulted in his arrest and child pornography trial in 2008. Sparkle, real name Stephanie Edwards, also positively identified R. Kelly as the man on the tape engaging in illegal sex with her 13-year-old niece. The decision, many believe, ultimately resulted in the jury acquitting the singer. "We were thick as thieves," Sparkle said of the family's closeness before the meeting. In this courtroom sketch, a woman who goes by pseudonym Jane, left, testifies in R. Kellys trial in federal court, Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, in Chicago. Kelly has been charged with multiple sex crimes involving four women, three of whom were underage at the time of the alleged encounters. Years ago, Kelly was accused of abusing Sparkles niece, but during Kellys current trial, the niece claimed that Sparkle encouraged the interactions. According to reports, Sparkle was allegedly suggested by the niece. But things have changed since 2008. Earlier this week, the disgraced singer and his legal team appeared in a Chicago court, where Kelly faces several criminal charges. Among things hes already been convicted of, prosecutors accuse him of abusing young girls for decades and filming their encounters. Sparkle said in disgust. There's no denying it. "But there are others that haven't been spoken of that have been possibly paid off. SEPTEMBER 17: Singer R. Kelly appears standing beside his attorney, Steven Greenberg during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on September 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. You cant stifle me. Latest dancehall and hip hop news and music at your fingertips. His whole M.O., he stated this to me not long ago, is he likes them when they are ripe and young because he can mold them into what he wants them to be and control their minds and make them do what women 'should' do. Will No Longer Be Pursuing These Indictments: Chicago Prosecutor Drops Sex-Abuse Charges Against Singer R. Kelly Months After Conviction. What, exactly, is the relationship between Kelly and Sparkle, and what are the claims being made against the infamous artist? People are trying to make money off my music and my name in a very, very negative way. Kelly got emotional during the sit-down and alleged that he is "fighting for his . Heres Why. According to The New York Times, the extent of this girls cooperation with authorities isnt clear, her lawyer, Christopher L. Brown spoke of her willingness to work with authorities days after Kelly was accused, in a federal indictment, of paying the girl and her father to lie to investigators to protect him. In one of his few public comments on the issue, Kelly told Chicago radio station WGCI-FM in Chicago on April 4 that he couldn't comment on much of the scandal, per his attorney's advice. Her family would rather keep the matter quiet, she said, even if that means protecting an alleged predator. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! "Surviving R.Kelly," a Lifetime docu-series that's airing in six parts on three nights about musician R. Kelly, has reinvigorated the public's interest in the long list of accusations made against the controversial singer. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. The young girl who was recorded in the infamous and wide-spread tape of R. Kelly engaging in sexual acts is going back on years of precedence and cooperating with investigators in the child pornography case against the R&B singer. That I should rub his head and ask him to take that role in my life., Sparkle denied any wrongdoing when a social media user questioned her about being the aunt who was mentioned during the testimony. He rose to fame after singing as an eight-year-old in church before winning a $100,000 grand prize on the syndicated US television talent show, "Big Break," hosted by Natalie Cole. Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said. The Times. Sparkle explained that this is a result of a "family feud," which has led to her being a target of lies from her niece, who Sparkle feels lied about her on the stand out of loyalty to her mother. In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. By Kelly Butler. Sparkle, however, disputed the witness account after a social media user questioned her about it. FAQ + Create an Account / Login. Sparkle has responded in a video (see below) to her nieces testimony: Absolutely NOT!! "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said during the emotional trial, according to MTV. She got . For full coverage of the ongoing R. Kelly case, see The R. Kelly Trial Reports. Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as Jane in R. Kellys criminal trial, where he faces charges for child pornography. I cant help he lies told on me & under oath at the.. & cause ya Momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify.. [shrug emoji]. put a few things in context,. Whitten Sabbatini for . Stephanie Edwards made a statement to the New York Times: In court, Sparkles now-37-year-old victim niece told the court R Kelly starting having sex with her when she was only 14, claiming they had sex hundreds of times before she turned 18. The girl's mother -- Sparkle's sister -- didn't want to see the tape and didn't want to talk about it, she said. Muskan Sharma is a law student at Calcutta University. Bop Shop: Songs From J-Hope And J. 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She told me that I should ask him to be my godfather, she shared according to CNN, explaining that deepening the relationship established trust. When I learned that, I would go out of my way to speak to people just to tick him off. If you are in your 40s you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). At times sniffling and dabbing her eyes and her nose with a tissue, Sparkle appeared to be on the verge of tears but remained composed, although she also became defiant when Genson had his turn and accused the R&B singer of trying to take revenge against Kelly for terminating her record-label contract. All Rights Reserved, Follow Us on Snapchat for All Our Breaking News, Kelly was accused of abusing Sparkles niece, Offset and Quavo Spotted Sitting Apart at NBA Game Following Alleged GRAMMY Argument, Drake Wagers Half a Million Dollars on Jon Jones Victory at UFC 285, Soulja Boy Performs In Front Of Seemingly Low-Energy Crowd At Rolling Loud. Unsurprisingly, that testimony did not sit well with Sparkle, who reacted to her neices claims online after someone asked her, Are you the aunt who had that child rub R. Kellys head? Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Fast forwarding to now, R Kelly pretty much got a life sentence plus he still has more charges to face. Kelly would ultimately be acquitted on charges pertaining to the tape. Those who have been following the scandal were shocked to hear Sparkles testimony because she has long advocated for R. Kellys imprisonment for what he is accused of doing to her niece. Though praising her niece for finally cooperating with prosecutors, the singer says that she is at the center of a . Trivia Yes, Sparkle identified the 14-year-old as her sister's daughter and that the girl was engaging in filth with the Pied Piper of R&Pee. Please say its not you., Sparkle replied, Absolutely NOT! She would go on to release a successful self-titled album in 1998, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. In 2002, the singer Sparkle, whose real name is Stephanie Edwards, claimed her niece was the underage girl in an infamous sex video featuring R. Kelly. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. She admits that some things went down but now she is saying her aunt encouraged it. Sparkles niece ended up in court before the side settle, and Sparkle who said she rode for her niece, fell out with Robert Kelly, however her family turned their back on her in the fallout out of everything. Bossip Comment Policy Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. Sparkle: Directed by Sam O'Steen. Kelly faces 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. "It's hurtful to my sister, to my brother-in-law and to my niece, especially, because it's all her. As of today, they're still investigating the situation. Though Kelly has talked to local Chicago media about the scandal, he hasn't addressed a lot of the questions people have about the tapes. "She's my niece. But after the meeting, "There was one side and another side," she said. "I'm beyond pleased to finally hear the mountain I've tirelessly worked on moving over the. 5 Infamous Murder Cases Involving Athletes, Deadly Day for Rappers XXXTentacion and Wopo. Shortly after the tape was released, the woman's aunt - 1990s R&B singer Sparkle - came forward and blasted her former mentor R Kelly. "A lot of people know about it, but when the smoke clears, you guys will really be able to know exactly what is going on. On Tuesday, after Kelly pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, a Chicago judge ordered him to remain behind bars without bond, where hes being kept away from general population for safety reasons. We were very cordial.". She pointed out that during this time period, she ran into Kelly at a family bowling event, and he gave her his number and invited her to come down to the studio, to illustrate that there was no bad blood between them, however much Genson tried to imply it. Picture Perfect Poster Girl: Taylour Paige Stars As "Boogie's" Leading Lady, UPDATE: Jesseca Dupart Denies That LisaRaye Found Out About Da Brat's Pregnancy Via Social Media, Your Weekly Helping Of Tidday Meats & Treats On The Gram, Cougar Chronicles! Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), singer began grooming the 14-year-old victim and began having sex with her at just 15 years, Prosecutors are pushing for another conviction, R. Kelly being sentenced to 30 years in prison, R. Kelly and Joycelyn Savages Father Denies She Gave Birth To His Baby, R. Kellys Unauthorized Album I Did It Removed From Streaming Services, DJ Envy, Lil Mama, Erica Mena Calls Out Angela Yee Over Breakfast Club Claims, Nicki Minaj Launches Own Record Label, Skeng Among First Signees, Popcaan and Squash 6ixx Boss Clash On IG Igniting Beef, Nicki Minaj New Song Red Ruby Da Sleeze Debut At No. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. Sparkle's niece recently confronted something against her aunt and as a result, Sparkle claimed that her niece had lied about her. As news of Janes testimony went public, Sparkle took to social media to refute the claims. Sound it in the comments. Kids edition - Orlando And Sparkle. Here's Where to Find the Best Corned Beef in Cleveland! Home. At the time, Sparkle was largely ignored by the media. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. About. Stay tuned to Thirsty for more updates. The victims aunt is a singer named Sparkle, who agreed to testify in the 2008 trial and identified Kelly as the man in the video and her niece as the girl. Sparkle continued, This is another form of the terrible decision-making of her mom and in my opinion, the unfortunate continuing allegiance to Robert.. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. According to a federal indictment unsealed last week, Kelly gave the girl and her family gifts and money before and after the trial so she would lie to investigators, avoid questioning, and so she would not testify against him. Black women This ongoing R. Kelly trial has caused one of the disgraced singer's former artists to come forward to defend herself. Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. Sparkle, who had a hit with Kelly in 1998 called "Be Careful," told radio DJ Adimu of the Beat (KKBT) on April 3 that her niece was a fledging rapper whom she introduced to Kelly. Kellys defense team had argued that the girl and Kelly could not be identified in the tape, and some jurors said the girls refusal to testify made it difficult to convict him. Look Inside The DA.I.S.Y. Though his attorney argued that he was not a flight risk and had appeared at all of his court appointments on time, a judge denied bond calling the case extraordinarily serious.. Before Fame. In an Instagram video, Sparkle called the confusion a family feud and stated that she wanted to put a few things in context., Absolutely NOT!! We publish narratives intentionally and specifically to enlighten and transform the world. Who wouldn't be [disgusted]? Whats The Deal With This R. Kelly Album That Dropped? Last week, Kellywas arrested for an additional 13 counts of federal sex trafficking and child pornography charges. She said that his acquittal then affected her view of the #MeToo movement a decade later. Last week in court R. Kelly's original case, Sparkles niece at 30 plus years took the stand to testify. Although a jury acquitted R. Kelly,. MadameNoire Copyright 2023 BossipMadameNoire, LLC All Rights Reserved | BHM Digital, a federal indictment, of paying the girl and her father to lie to investigators. Sparkle Addresses Niece's Testimony Against R. Kelly The singer used social media to "put a few things in context." By DeMicia Inman August 22, 2022 4:12pm Singer R. Kelly leaves the. For the past 20 years, Sparkle, whose real name is Stephanie Edwards, has been trying to convince the world that Kelly sexually abused her teenage niece. Sign up to receive The Atlanta Black Star Newsletter in your inbox. "Sparkle" featured a duet with Kelly, titled "Be Careful.". Following the allegations made in court, Sparkle took to social media to issue a video statement denying the claims. Its not clear to what extent shes working with investigators, but her attorney, Christopher L. Brown, confirmed that she is indeed cooperating. In the recent federal indictment, he was accused of paying off the girl and her family so they would lie for him and not cooperate with investigators. Sparkle first introduced her then-12-year-old niece to Kelly in 1997 a decision that still haunts her to this day. "But until our investigation is . In the meantime, Kelly has hired private investigator Jack Palladino to help build his defense, Palladino's office confirmed. 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The woman who previously testified against Kelly in 2008 and was the one who brought the sex tapes to the victims parents knowledge says that she had the greatest of intentions when she spoke up against Kelly, but her life was made hell by the victims mother. Im beyond pleased to finally hear the mountain Ive tirelessly worked on moving over the years is now being assisted with the help of my niece and her parents, she told The New York Times on Tuesday. ", Genson then made a comment about the girl on the tape looking like a willing participant. 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