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. Mar. If convicted, Kelly would face the maximum of 195 years in prison. R. Kelly's former protg Stephanie Edwards, who recorded under the name Sparkle, also spoke on the verdict. Blog. Recording artist Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards accused R. Kelly of having sex with her 14-year-old niece at his 2008 trial. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. Sparkle said that she had discussions with Hankerson, who was also Aaliyah's uncle, about signing to his Blackground record label about two weeks before Aaliyah's death in 2001, but that discussions fell apart. Although a jury acquitted R. Kelly,. NBA Bans Donald Sterling For Life after Racist Comments. Its impact cannot be overstated and a month later, Kelly was facing new charges in Chicago. 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!! 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. 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. READ: Report: R. Kellys Former Staffers Gave Feds 20 More Sex Tapes with Minors. You cant stifle me. Sparkle Live Music (@sparklelivemusic) Instagram photos and videos sparklelivemusic 731 posts 1,870 followers 467 following Sparkle Live Music Musician/band We play your dream music soundtrack Put a Sparkle in your big day. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Last week in court R. Kelly's original case, Sparkles niece at 30 plus years took the stand to testify. Sparkle continued, This is another form of the terrible decision-making of her mom and in my opinion, the unfortunate continuing allegiance to Robert.. 6 2019, Updated 5:51 a.m. "I wanted this to go away. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. According to reports, Sparkle was allegedly suggested by the niece. 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. The prosecution has not responded to the claim. Since the news of her niece's cooperation has been made public, Sparkle says she is thrilled. "Like she's a prostitute!" . 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. At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. Stephanie Edwards made a statement to the New York Times: I went at it alone. "Never. As of now, Sparkles niece and her attorney have yet to respond to Sparkles claim she lied on the stand. Bossip Video Sparkle, the aunt of an R Kelly victim, is claiming her niece is lying on the stand as she testifies about her experience with the singer as a 14-year-old. Since the alleged R. Kelly sex tapes first hit the media two months ago, the primary question has been if the girl featured on the 27-minute tape, currently under investigation by the Chicago police, was actually underage, since her identity had been kept hidden. For years, Sparkle has made claims about Kelly allegedly abusing her niece . Sparkle's age is 47. Kids edition - Orlando And Sparkle. The federal charges are separate from the 10 counts of sexual abuse Kelly received in February in Chicago and different from the other 11- sexual misconduct counts he was slapped with in May in that same city. An exchange between two ex-lovers? At the time, she and her family denied her appearance in the video and refused to testify. Genson pointed out that the girl is seen receiving money on the tape. Stephanie Edwards (born May 13, 1975), better known by her stage name Sparkle, is an American R&B singer. "I had a nasty taste in my mouth after seeing what I saw, and after many people, you know, didn't want me to speak out," Edwards told ET. Creator of Bridget EEs Bloghouse, a A Place Where Real Music Is Previewed and Reviewed. "Hampton spoke to me and spoke to my management," Edwards continued. 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. seek information on a wide variety of topics including African-American hair care, health issues, relationship The singer used social media to "put a few things in context.". Kelly has been charged with multiple sex crimes involving four women, three of whom were underage at the time of the alleged encounters. She eventually became a key witness in Kelly's 2008 child pornography case, claiming that the young girl in the video in question was her 14-year-old niece. Sparkle has responded in a video (see below) to her nieces testimony: Absolutely NOT!! Sparkle went on to sign with Motown Records and released a second album, titled "Told You So," in 2000. Last week, Kellywas arrested for an additional 13 counts of federal sex trafficking and child pornography charges. Who, do you believe, is lying? "But there are others that haven't been spoken of that have been possibly paid off. What, exactly, is the relationship between Kelly and Sparkle, and what are the claims being made against the infamous artist? Find a review of [article id="1587729"]the major players in the R. Kelly trial here[/article]. Sparkle is claiming that the victims mother was also upset at her, and the victims testimony was aimed at getting back at her for going against Kelly. 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. 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. The woman, who is now in her 30s and had been identified by singer Sparkle as her niece, had refused to testify against R. Kelly in his 2008 trial, which resulted in his acquittal. ), "I watched a few seconds of it, and I refused to watch the rest," Adra Gengler testified. Sparkle did, however, testify against Kelly when he was on trial for child porn that featured her niece. 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. In another video she released, Sparkle claimed that the claim was an absolute f**king lie. She added she had indeed introduced Kelly to the victim and her mother and father, but it was not her intention for her to become involved with the singer. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! She also spoke out in September 2021 after the singerwas convictedof nine counts of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges, and sentenced to 30 years behind bars. Home. Whats The Deal With This R. Kelly Album That Dropped? "She shared how she didn't see me as a survivor but she wanted to celebrate me for being the first one to stand up and bring to light what was going [on].". BridgetEE: A Music and Entertainment blogger/ Historian / Global Grind Freelance Writer Sparkle testified that she then called a family meeting so her other relatives could see the tape for themselves. Flavor Of Love Reality Star Deelishis' Niece Reportedly Killed in Mass Shooting; Baddies West Season 3 Fights: Stunna Girl vs. Everybody; 50 Cent Inks Non-Exclusive Broadcast Deal With Fox; Cardi B & Offset Meal Launches at McDonald's on Valentine's Day; Leilani Capalot - T Shirt Music Video & BTS | Video Zone ", Genson then made a comment about the girl on the tape looking like a willing participant. We publish narratives intentionally and specifically to enlighten and transform the world. She admits that some things went down but now she is saying her aunt encouraged it. Among the issues covered in the investigatory program were allegations made by a former Kelly protege, Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards. This decades-long history of abuse was documented through witness and survivor testimony in the dream hampton produced documentary Surviving R. Kelly which aired on Lifetime this past January. The singer's niece, who's allegedly the 14-year-old girl on the infamous 2008 sex tape, recently claimed Sparkle encouraged her to ask Kelly to be her godfather by enticing him. On Friday, Sparkle took to social media to denounce some of the claims made by her niece on the stand. But after R. and I parted ways, it was me not watching over her. She said she regretted bringing her niece to Kelly's studio and later his home -- "my mistake," Sparkle said. Sparkle testified against Kelly in 2008 but, as we all know, he was found not guilty. "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]. Singer Sparkle testified back then that it was her niece on the video but her niece nor anyone else in the family would corroborate her identity on the video tape. 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). Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly. Her testimony sliced her family into factions, relegating her to years of . Since the news of her nieces cooperation has been made public, Sparkle says she is thrilled. According to the niece that is identified as Jane Doe, her aunt said,That I should rub his head and ask him to take that role in my life. as the young teens Godfather. Stephanie Edwards, a singer known as Sparkle, testified at R. Kelly's 2008 trial. Sparkle first started singing in her fa Stephanie Edwards (born May 13, 1975), better known by her stage name Sparkle is an American RB singer. 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.. 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. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail. Nope, Sparkle didn't take a payout meanwhile R sending them on trips and paying for their houses. 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. To what degree, singer, Sparkle's niece, is cooperating with authorities is still not official. It's disgusting. But now people are seeing.". Sign up to receive The Atlanta Black Star Newsletter in your inbox. In "Surviving R. Kelly," Edwards discusses Kelly's behavior toward her while they worked together. She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. But after the meeting, "There was one side and another side," she said. Sparkle niece is still with R kelly - YouTube Sparkle niece is still with R kelly Capricorn Queen 1.74K subscribers Subscribe 424 Share 169K views 4 years ago #SurvivingRkelly. 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. ET. It's sickening. People are trying to make money off my music and my name in a very, very negative way. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! 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. "I have an ex-manager that's been on my back," he said. In 2002, Kelly re-entered Sparkle's life when a video that appeared to depict sex between Kelly and a 14-year-old came to the attention of police. What is the relationship between the two singers? She told me that I should ask him to be my godfather, she shared according to CNN, explaining that deepening the relationship established trust. Sparkle thinks that allegiance to Robert still exists. She's being exposed to the world. 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,. Naked Pic of Serena Williams Goes Viral! She writes for Thirsty for News, covering world news and entertainment. Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as Jane in R. Kellys criminal trial, where he faces charges for child pornography. The "Better Be Careful" singer was one of the first people to go public about . Sparkle has publicly spoken out against Kelly in multiple formats, including in the 2019 Surviving R. Kelly docuseries that led to his most recent charges and convictions. I believe that [the police] have a lot that they are actually going to bring to light.". However, her sister Valerie didn't want to do anything about the tape, and the family became divided. If convicted, he'd have to register as a sex offender. A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). 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. I cant help the lies told on me & under oath at all & cause ya momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify, she said. TikTok video from Samke Ndlovu INdlovu (@samkeindlovukaz): "#Aunty and Niece Challenge ". "I just shied away from the industry. He did say, however, that not all the evidence had been revealed (see [article id="1453299"]"R. Kelly Settles Civil Suit, Defends Himself On Radio"[/article]). You just know your family. Cardi B and Offset Meal Boycotted By Several McDonalds Franchise Owners, Gary Owens Estranged Wife Clowns His New Boo On The Gram, Da Brat Reveals Shes Pregnant at 48, Expecting Baby With Wife Jesseca Judy Dupart, R. Kelly Sentenced to 20 Years for Child Sex Crimes in Illinois. Sparkle said in disgust. Sparkle was Kelly's protge in the 90's. The singer agreed to testify in the 2008 trial and identified Kelly as the man in the video and her niece as the girl. It's messed up. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. 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. One of the first witnesses to take the stand this week was Kellys victim that was featured on the original sex tape that leaked. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. There's no denying it. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. he asked. 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. Please say its not you., Takeoff Shot in Head and Torso, According to Coroner Report, Aaron Carter Pulled Over On Suspicion Of DUI While Driving RV. 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. Her family would rather keep the matter quiet, she said, even if that means protecting an alleged predator. In her video, Sparkle read a statement from her phone and said, "Not all that you heard yesterday from my niece is true. Of course Im in full unwavering support of them and their act of courage!, Kim Kardashian Lands Olympic Partnership Deal, Shapewear Line To Be Worn By Team USA Athletes, She Tried It: Inahsi Naturals Aloe Hibiscus Leave-In Conditioner & Detangler, She Tried It: Ivy Park Drip 2 and 2.2 Black Pack, Prioritize Your Skincare With These Tips For Melanin-Rich Complexions, Burts Bees Skincare Works Harder, Not Harsher, 11 Black Celebrities Who Say They're Not African American, 'Bernie Mac Show' Stars Camille Winbush And Dee Dee Davis Get Chewed Out For Joining OnlyFans, 8 Famous Lesbian Women Who Were Married To Men. Prosecutors say he victimized 12 women, at least eight of whom were underage at the time of the events. People in Kelly's circle interviewed in "Surviving R. Kelly" claim to have seen the woman on the singer's property multiple times in recent years. Heres Why. 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. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. The woman claimed that Kelly agreed to serve as her godfather and that her parents had given their blessing. At the time, the niece had denied it was her, although she changed her testimony on the stand on Thursday to confirm that it was her in the video. Close Menu. The woman disclosed that her aunt and her parents knew about her being around Kelly. Sparkle, the girl in the picture and a few others confirmed it was said niece, but the rest of the nieces family said it was . Sparkle prayed for her niece to one day tell the truth and shame the devil and for them to be a family again. The victim in the video did notcooperate with prosecutors in the original case, but finally agreed to workwith the government after Kelly was arrested in 2019. "I know my family. The singer, real name Stephanie Edwards, alleges that the girl on this videotape was her 14-year-old niece, whom she had introduced to Kelly along with other members of her family, including her . There's no denying it,' she says on the stand. Sparkle has since thanked "Surviving R. Kelly" producer Dream Hampton for once again bringing attention to the alleged crimes. Sparkle is best known for her 1998 R&B debut hit single 'Be Careful '. Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei) Instagram photos and videos isparklei Follow 180 posts 27.5K followers 395 following Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) Musician Obstacle Course EP - 7/13 Response To The Verdict @thecut Life Feat. I'm happy to see the #MeToo movement and Time's Up movement are backing these women. She shared that she feels these are lies organized by her sister as a method of sabotage. She would go on to release a successful self-titled album in 1998, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. Modern Movie Musical Essentials. She was my heart.". Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. 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. As news of Janes testimony went public, Sparkle took to social media to refute the claims. MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 'You just know your family. There are a lot of people who are very jealous of me right now and they're trying to destroy me.". The Times. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! As of today, they're still investigating the situation. The girl I knew was always bubbly, but she seems like a robot in that video. We later found out that the alleged little girl was the niece of R&B singer Sparkle best know for her smash hit slow cut Be Careful with R. Kelly himself. His first albums. Without Wayne Shorters Weather Report, Jazz Rap Wouldnt Be What It Is, Fans Are Overjoyed to See De La Soul Albums on DSPs, 9 New Hip-Hop & R&B Albums You Should Be Listening To (Week of March 3), Larry June & The Alchemist Announce Joint Album The Great Escape. The decades-long crusade cost the 46-year-old her closest relationships and stifled her own music career. If you are in your 40's you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). 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 Kellys 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. "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said during the emotional trial, according to MTV. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. A new development in the case has resulted from the Sparkles nieces recent admission of the truth. Fast forwarding to now, R Kelly pretty much got a life sentence plus he still has more charges to face. The singer expressed hurt and called the testimony a result of their "family feud." In addition, Sparkle revealed that her niece attempting to implicate her in the case is an "absolute will of her mom" and an "unfortunate . "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. 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? Now lets observe what transpires in the court. Sparkle added that her niece, sister and brother-in-law all reported that nothing was going on, however. Of course Im in full unwavering support of them and their act of courage.. 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. Sparkle was horrified when she discovered that it was her niece at the center of Kelly's 2002 child pornography indictment. Custom Content Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand . We were very cordial.". Among things hes already been convicted of, prosecutors accuse him of abusing young girls for decades and filming their encounters. Genson suggested that Sparkle next tried to conspire with former Kelly manager Barry Hankerson "about doing something bad to Robert. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. Sparkle, born Stephanie Edwards, issued a video statement denying the claims. It's very upsetting. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldnt be more thrilled about it. All Rights Reserved. I know them. 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. "We were thick as thieves," Sparkle said of the family's closeness before the meeting.