The Flawed Logic of R. Kelly’s Most Unlikely Supporters

Last week, many viewers watched Surviving R. Kelly in horror as the documentary highlighted old and new sexual-abuse allegations against the singer. The six-part documentary series, which premiered on January 3, featured dozens of testimonials from survivors, activists, police officers, and legal experts, as well as Kelly’s family members and former employees. Their collective accounts paint a picture of a predator of vast proportion and shine a light on the pervasive, insidious culture of sexual violence within the music industry.

Though the exposé has done much to erode the singer’s image (and has spurred by Georgia’s Fulton County district attorney), it has also seemingly bolstered his support. Plays of Kelly’s records on Spotify just after the film aired. And despite the fact that black female activists have successfully campaigned to ban Kelly and his music from several national radio shows and event venues, the artist’s