The prosecution has not responded to the claim. Close Menu. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! With Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps. 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. Prosecutors turned over to Kelly's defense team a DVD that alleges to show Kelly having sex with an underage girl in the 1990s. "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].". 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. Here's Where to Find the Best Corned Beef in Cleveland! He has pleaded not guilty. You cant stifle me. (Several other people have also identified the girl and Kelly on the tape during testimony. 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. "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. "There have been a couple that have come to light that have settled out of court, so that they would not go to criminal court," Sparkle said, referring to Kelly's settlements with Tracy Sampson and Tiffany Hawkins. 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. Sparkle corrected him and said she had asked to be released from her contract so she could work with other people, such as Steve Huff, Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. 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. Now that her niece has finished testifying, Sparkle is speaking out again - and what she's saying is EXPLOSIVE. Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, a recording artist as well, was born on May 13, 1975. According to reports, Sparkle was allegedly suggested by the niece. Kelly has been charged with multiple sex crimes involving four women, three of whom were underage at the time of the alleged encounters. Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. About. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Lets continue to pray for healing in this family. "I know my family. Career. She said this took place during a time when other members of her family also had a working relationship with the singer (Sparkle's brother-in-law, for instance, played guitar for Kelly, she said). Bop Shop: Songs From J-Hope And J. 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Get notified about exclusive offers every week! Im letting those who know and support me that this is a family feud, she says at the beginning of her video, reading notes from her mobile device. Fourteen witnesses had identified the girl in the video during the 20018 trial, but she and members of her family did not testify. 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. As you can imagine, all this drama derailed Sparkle's career. 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. "He made her do [those sexual acts]," she said. Last week in court R. Kelly's original case, Sparkles niece at 30 plus years took the stand to testify. Sparkle testified against Kelly in 2008 but, as we all know, he was found not guilty. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Still, she admitted, she hadn't had the same level of success on her sophomore album with Motown as she did with her Kelly-produced debut, and she hadn't received any royalties from Kelly. Will No Longer Be Pursuing These Indictments: Chicago Prosecutor Drops Sex-Abuse Charges Against Singer R. Kelly Months After Conviction. Genson suggested that Sparkle next tried to conspire with former Kelly manager Barry Hankerson "about doing something bad to Robert. And earlier this week, lawyer Michael Avenatti who gave a tape of Kelly and a young girl to the Cook County States Attorney in February said the singer gave the girl in the tape and her family $2 million to remain silent. Sparkle has since thanked "Surviving R. Kelly" producer Dream Hampton for once again bringing attention to the alleged crimes. 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. She said there was no bitterness between her and Kelly over the split: "He was my homeboy. I went at it alone. When I learned that, I would go out of my way to speak to people just to tick him off. "I just shied away from the industry. because you deserve it! Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. She admits that some things went down but now she is saying her aunt encouraged it. What is the relationship between the two singers? The co-defendants in the case are Derrel McDavid, a former business manager who faces child pornography and obstruction charges, and Milton June Brown, Kellys former assistant, who faces one count of conspiracy to receive child pornography. For full coverage of R. Kelly, see "The R. Kelly Reports.". I cant help the lies told on me & under oath at all & cause ya momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify 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. 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 . Both have pleaded not guilty. There's no denying it. She says her. 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. "She's doing exactly what he told her to do. "Of course not. Singer Sparkle found herself in the middle of R. Kellys federal child pornography trial. On the stand, the woman, who is now 37 and identified as just Jane Doe, shared details of how she met Kelly and how they had sex hundreds of times, and he made videos of their encounters which sometimes also involved other minor girls. What do you think about the matter? "She kept coming down with me," she told the station, "which was [a] safe [situation] at the time. 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. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sparkle, born Stephanie Edwards, issued a video statement denying the claims. She attributed details of her nieces testimony to misguidance and the inability to think independently. His Masters Are Missing: New R. Kelly Music, I Admit, Unauthorized, Pulled from Streaming Services, The Man is In Prison: Tevin Campbell Receives Backlash After Stating R. Kelly Could Go Against Usher In a Verzuz Battle. Years ago, Kelly was accused of abusing Sparkles niece, but during Kellys current trial, the niece claimed that Sparkle encouraged the interactions. The alleged victim on the tape is also the niece of the singer Sparkle, whom Kelly mentored as an artist early in her career. Bossip Comment Policy ", Sparkle said that she regrets not being a better protector of her niece. "She's like a robot." Her family also wouldnt be a witness for prosecutors, but things are different now. We were tight, tight, tight." Our societys awareness and understanding of sexual assault has increased while Kellys funds have dwindled. 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. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. 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. Sparkle continued, This is another form of the terrible decision-making of her mom and in my opinion, the unfortunate continuing allegiance to Robert.. It's very upsetting to my family. We talked about business. Apple Music Film, TV & Stage. She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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 was horrified when she discovered that it was her niece at the center of Kelly's 2002 child pornography indictment. Look Inside The DA.I.S.Y. Home. Sparkle stated that her niece was "doing the will of her mom," who she says has allegiance to R. Kelly. Since the news of her nieces cooperation has been made public, Sparkle says she is thrilled. If convicted, he'd have to register as a sex offender. Whats your take on it? The decades-long crusade cost the 46-year-old her closest relationships and stifled her own music career. Her family would rather keep the matter quiet, she said, even if that means protecting an alleged predator. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois and first met Kelly in 1989. 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. Whats The Deal With This R. Kelly Album That Dropped? Before Fame. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. I also did not want that person to be me, Jane testified. PredIQtion Markets. 6 2019, Updated 5:51 a.m. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Genson pointed out that the girl is seen receiving money on the tape. While the survivors have now found justice, Sparkle said she still feels guilty for introducing her niece to Kelly in 1997. Since the news of her niece's cooperation has been made public, Sparkle says she is thrilled. Sparkle's niece who was 14 years old was alleged to be the young girl in the video tape that went viral on the streets before going viral was such a thing. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. Earlier this week, the disgraced singer and his legal team appeared in a Chicago court, where Kelly faces several criminal charges. EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea Kelly & Lisa VA Have S E X Tape! 5 Infamous Murder Cases Involving Athletes, Deadly Day for Rappers XXXTentacion and Wopo. Who, do you believe, is lying? One of the disgraced singers former artists has stepped forward to defend herself in the ongoing R. Kelly trial. Twitter Debates 16-Year Age Gap Between Jaylen Brown & Mouthwatering Meemaw Bernice Burgos, Barbie Gyal Nicki Minaj Returns From Hiatus And Sets Di Road Ablaze At Trinidad Carnival 2023, Rain Pon Meeee: Ashanti Reminds Everyone How Feathered And FINE She Was At Trinidad Carnival 2019, Chaka Khan Shows No Mercy Blasting Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey & Other Names On Rolling Stone's 'Greatest Singers' List, Funniest (And Pettiest) Tweets From NBA All-Star Weekend 2023. FAQ + Create an Account / Login. On Friday, Sparkle took to social media to denounce some of the claims made by her niece on the stand. Like she said on "Surviving R. Kelly," Sparkle reiterated that she was naive at the . 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 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. This ongoing R. Kelly trial has caused one of the disgraced singer's former artists to come forward to defend herself. "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]. Chicago police have not charged Kelly, and will only say that their investigation is continuing. At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. advice and career trends - and MadameNoire provides all of that. Ivie is a Nigerian-American, native New Yorker, and journalist covering, Report: R. Kellys Former Staffers Gave Feds 20 More Sex Tapes with Minors, R. Kelly Sentenced to 20 Years For Child Sex Crimes, R. Kelly Silenced Aaliyah & Her Family With Non-Disclosure Agreement After 1995 Marriage Annulment, Watch the Trailer For Surviving R. Kelly Part III: The Final Chapter. Sparkle thinks that allegiance to Robert still exists. The video was of a man urinating on a little girl while she called him daddy. Kellys trial is ongoing, with the sex tapes of other underaged victims set to be played for jurors. 11 Songs. 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. It's messed up. Surviving R.Kelly: The Final Chapter Sheds Light On Singers Alleged Feces Force-Feeding Ritual And Intimate Footage Of Aaliyah, Jailhouse Drop: Streaming Platforms Remove R. Kelly I Admit It Album, Singer Calls The Pied Piper Prison Production A Bootleg, More Punishment Pending: Pied Piper R. Kelly Found Guilty On Six Counts In Federal Child Pornography Trial, 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? Fast forwarding to now, R Kelly pretty much got a life sentence plus he still has more charges to face. 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. Sparkle added that her niece, sister and brother-in-law all reported that nothing was going on, however. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! 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. I was ashamed.. No -- it was part of a shouting match during a contentious cross-examination between R. Kelly's defense attorney Ed Genson and the prosecution's star witness, Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards. 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. "But there are others that haven't been spoken of that have been possibly paid off. ", Sparkle wasn't the only witness to get emotional on the stand Thursday. Sparkle: Directed by Sam O'Steen. She's being exposed to the world. 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. Sparkle was also the one to call her family members when she would find out that the niece was alone in the studio with him. No," she said. 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. In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost her the relationship with her family. 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. Best known by her stage name, Sparkle rose to prominence as a member of R. Kelly's Rockland Records and was the first artist to release a single on the label. 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. ", More cases against R. Kelly will come forward, Sparkle predicted, if they don't settle out of court first. Meanwhile, Sparkle, real name Stephanie Edwards, has come out in her own defence and claims that her niece has lied on the stand as she did not push her to be involved with Kelly. Sign up to receive The Atlanta Black Star Newsletter in your inbox. 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. Sparkle Net Worth: Sparkle is an American R&B singer who has a net worth of $600 thousand. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail. She went on to claim that Sparkle was the one who introduced her to Kelly, saying her auntencouraged her to rub Kellys headand sit on his lap. 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. Stephanie Edwards, a singer known as Sparkle, testified at R. Kelly's 2008 trial. Im not that girl. I Never, Ever Left My Niece Alone In The Studio: Sparkle Shares What Was Left Out Of "Surviving R. Kelly" Posted on January 16, 2019 - By Veronica Wells MadameNoire Featured Video Music Videos. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girls family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. Modern Movie Musical Essentials. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! 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. "Like she's a prostitute!" Trivia 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. Prosecutors are pushing for another conviction on those charges to add to R. Kelly being sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering by a New York jury last month. 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. She got . which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. Featured On. 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 thick as thieves," Sparkle said of the family's closeness before the meeting. In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost her the relationship with her family. According to . 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. Creator of Bridget EEs Bloghouse, a A Place Where Real Music Is Previewed and Reviewed. You just know your family. 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. 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. . A new development in the case has resulted from the Sparkles nieces recent admission of the truth. [He] cant tell me what I can and cant do. Three sisters form a singing group in 1950s Harlem, but success threatens to ruin their relationship forever. For years, Sparkle has made claims about Kelly allegedly abusing her niece . What, exactly, is the relationship between Kelly and Sparkle, and what are the claims being made against the infamous artist? 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. There's no denying it,' she says on the stand. But in 2001, when she actually witnessed the tape herself, she didn't hesitate to call. 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. 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. 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. They would pretty much drop me off and then leave, she said about her parents and the introduction by her aunt. "I wanted this to go away. 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. Sparkle Claims Her Niece Lied About Her In R. 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