1 on iTunes. In "Surviving R. Kelly," Edwards discusses Kelly's behavior toward her while they worked together. Like she said on "Surviving R. Kelly," Sparkle reiterated that she was naive at the . 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. I'm happy to see the #MeToo movement and Time's Up movement are backing these women. 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. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. 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. 2 on the R&B charts and was certified gold soon after . The girl's mother -- Sparkle's sister -- didn't want to see the tape and didn't want to talk about it, she said. During an Instagram broadcast, she decided to put a few things in context.. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldnt be more thrilled about it. | Follow on Twitter: @BridgetEE and IG: @Bridgetee26, Source: MadameNoire.com/iOne Digital / MadameNoire. 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 being exposed to the world. If convicted, he'd have to register as a sex offender. 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. 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. Stephanie Edwards (born May 13, 1975), better known by her stage name Sparkle, is an American R&B singer. Kellys trial is ongoing, with the sex tapes of other underaged victims set to be played for jurors. "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]." Sparkle said that she regrets not being a better protector of her niece. In 2001, the singer Sparkle (seen above in the 2019 Lifetime series Surviving R Kelly), whose real name is Stephanie Edwards, went public with allegations that R Kelly sexually assaulted her niece . "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. "Of course not. As news of Janes testimony went public, Sparkle took to social media to refute the claims. Its impact cannot be overstated and a month later, Kelly was facing new charges in Chicago. 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. The video was of a man urinating on a little girl while she called him daddy. With Philip Michael Thomas, Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith. The prosecution has not responded to the claim. We were very cordial.". which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. Apple Music Film, TV & Stage. "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. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. The singer used social media to "put a few things in context.". His response thus far has been that the tapes are fabricated and that he's been blackmailed. BridgetEE: A Music and Entertainment blogger/ Historian / Global Grind Freelance Writer About. Sparkle said in disgust. She said there was no bitterness between her and Kelly over the split: "He was my homeboy. Sparkles niece recently confronted something against her aunt and as a result, Sparkle claimed that her niece had lied about her. But things have changed since 2008. A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). Blog. 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. 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. Since the news of her niece's cooperation has been made public, Sparkle says she is thrilled. Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as Jane in R. Kellys criminal trial, where he faces charges for child pornography. 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. "It's hurtful to my sister, to my brother-in-law and to my niece, especially, because it's all her. But after R. and I parted ways, it was me not watching over her. Activity. 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 . 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. 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. PredIQtion Markets. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Sparkle went on to sign with Motown Records and released a second album, titled "Told You So," in 2000. EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea Kelly & Lisa VA Have S E X Tape! Get notified about exclusive offers every week! he asked. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. Will No Longer Be Pursuing These Indictments: Chicago Prosecutor Drops Sex-Abuse Charges Against Singer R. Kelly Months After Conviction. Sparkle testified against Kelly in 2008 but, as we all know, he was found not guilty. 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? 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. 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. Although a jury acquitted R. Kelly,. Sparkle replied with a strong denial. The alleged victim on the tape is also the niece of the singer Sparkle, whom Kelly mentored as an artist early in her career. "Anger? 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]). Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. An exchange between two ex-lovers? She got . Her family eventually began to allow her to visit with Kelly without an adult present. In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost her the relationship with her family. 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 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 Singer Sparkle found herself in the middle of R. Kellys federal child pornography trial. 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. 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 . Nope, Sparkle didn't take a payout meanwhile R sending them on trips and paying for their houses. Bop Shop: Songs From J-Hope And J. 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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 . This ongoing R. Kelly trial has caused one of the disgraced singer's former artists to come forward to defend herself. 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). Among the issues covered in the investigatory program were allegations made by a former Kelly protege, Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards. At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. 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. One of the disgraced singer's former artists has stepped forward to defend herself in the ongoing R. Kelly trial. 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. 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. Earlier this week, Kelly who wore ankle shackles along with his orange jumpsuit, pled not guilty to the charges. 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. R. Kelly's former protg Stephanie Edwards, who recorded under the name Sparkle, also spoke on the verdict. 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. 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. 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. What, exactly, is the relationship between Kelly and Sparkle, and what are the claims being made against the infamous artist? 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. Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly . Sparkle Claims Her Niece Lied About Her In R. Kelly Case, Kelly Osbourne Shares Adorable First Photo of Baby Son Hanging Out with Uncle Jack, UFC Ring Girl Arianny Celeste Sizzles In Black Bikini Beach Photo Drop, Cardi B Reveals First Close-Up Look At Her Latest Face Tattoo For Son Wave, Chelsea Stokes & Kelsea Ballerini Kiss For The First Time In Public As A Couple, Avril Lavigne and Tyga Spotted Hanging Out Amid Separation from Mod Sun, 2022 Thirsty for News. "I know my family. Of course Im in full unwavering support of them and their act of courage.. In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost her the relationship with her family. I cant help the lies told on me & under oath at all & cause ya momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify NBA Bans Donald Sterling For Life after Racist Comments. According to reports, Sparkle was allegedly suggested by the niece. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places. 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? The now 37-year-old woman who is identified only as "Jane," told jurors that she was first introduced to R. Kelly by her aunt Sparkle in the mid-1990s when she was 13 years old. She admits that some things went down but now she is saying her aunt encouraged it. 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. . Who, do you believe, is lying? Uh Oh! Her family would rather keep the matter quiet, she said, even if that means protecting an alleged predator. Sparkle has openly confronted the fact that her niece has lied about her in court. A new development in the case has resulted from the Sparkles nieces recent admission of the truth. One of the first witnesses to take the stand this week was Kellys victim that was featured on the original sex tape that leaked. MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Former protégé of R. Kelly makes allegations on Los Angeles radio station. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Whitten Sabbatini for . Kelly faces 14 counts of child pornography -- seven for directing, seven for producing. "Never. Its not clear to what extent shes working with investigators, but her attorney, Christopher L. Brown, confirmed that she is indeed cooperating. Shortly after the tape was released, the woman's aunt - 1990s R&B singer Sparkle - came forward and blasted her former mentor R Kelly. Close Menu. 5 Infamous Murder Cases Involving Athletes, Deadly Day for Rappers XXXTentacion and Wopo. 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. If you are in your 40s you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. Among things hes already been convicted of, prosecutors accuse him of abusing young girls for decades and filming their encounters. Who wouldn't be [disgusted]? Kelly faces 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. ", Though it's causing division within her family, Sparkle said that she's aiding the Chicago police investigation. Recording artist Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards accused R. Kelly of having sex with her 14-year-old niece at his 2008 trial. 11 Songs. Creator of Bridget EEs Bloghouse, a A Place Where Real Music Is Previewed and Reviewed. Three sisters form a singing group in 1950s Harlem, but success threatens to ruin their relationship forever. 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). Now that her niece has finished testifying, Sparkle is speaking out again - and what she's saying is EXPLOSIVE. I went at it alone. Sparkle says she became suspicious of R. Kelly's involvement with her teenage niece in 2001. In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. 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. R. Kellys new case may end differently than his last. Photo Credit: Gary Miller for Getty Images). Sparkle: Directed by Salim Akil. As of today, they're still investigating the situation. 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. ET. While her immediate family as well as the girl herself have yet to step forward, a former protg of R. Kelly has told a Los Angeles radio station that the girl on the tape is her niece, whom she says was 14 at the time the tape was made. 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. She said she regretted bringing her niece to Kelly's studio and later his home -- "my mistake," Sparkle said. Sparkle, born Stephanie Edwards, issued a video statement denying the claims. She shared that she feels these are lies organized by her sister as a method of sabotage. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! 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. Sparkle has long asserted that her niece was abused by Kelly. But now people are seeing.". While the survivors have now found justice, Sparkle said she still feels guilty for introducing her niece to Kelly in 1997. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail. R. Kelly was later acquitted of all charges. 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. She also attested to having sexual encounters with the singer hundreds of times since the age of 14. While the witness is addressed in court as Jane, her story included identifying details, including that she is Sparkles niece. 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 is best known for her 1998 R&B debut hit single 'Be Careful '. Offset Changes Instagram Avatar to Takeoff Photo After His Death. Please say its not you, the user said. Last week in court R. Kelly's original case, Sparkles niece at 30 plus years took the stand to testify. We want to hear from you! I've been blackmailed for the last four years, and I didn't give in, and I'm still not gonna give in. This encounter disheartened Sparkle and caused her to step back from her career in entertainment. Trust me. 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. MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 'You just know your family. His first albums. For full coverage of the ongoing R. Kelly case, see The R. Kelly Trial Reports. Its no secret the original R Kelly having relations with a minor (allegedly) video was all over the streets on VHS. 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. The "Better Be Careful" singer was one of the first people to go public about . 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. Stephanie 'Sparkle' Edwards Although she praised her niece for finally cooperating with prosecutors, the singer says that she is at the center of a "family feud." Since the news of her nieces cooperation has been made public, Sparkle says she is thrilled. 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 has since thanked "Surviving R. Kelly" producer Dream Hampton for once again bringing attention to the alleged crimes. ", More cases against R. Kelly will come forward, Sparkle predicted, if they don't settle out of court first. 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. The decades-long crusade cost the 46-year-old her closest relationships and stifled her own music career. It's messed up. Sparkle explains that she testified against Kelly in court, although he allegedly tried to bribe her. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. Sparkle, who is reportedly the aunt of the 14-year-old who testified that she was introduced to R. Kelly by her aunt, who encouraged her to ask the singer to be his god-daughter and entice him by rubbing his head and sitting on his lap, is disputing the claim. She told me that I should ask him to be my godfather, she shared according to CNN, explaining that deepening the relationship established trust. "I have an ex-manager that's been on my back," he said. 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. "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]. READ: Report: R. Kellys Former Staffers Gave Feds 20 More Sex Tapes with Minors. In the meantime, Kelly has hired private investigator Jack Palladino to help build his defense, Palladino's office confirmed. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, a recording artist as well, was born on May 13, 1975. That's it.". Sparkle thinks that allegiance to Robert still exists. For full coverage of R. Kelly, see "The R. Kelly Reports.". Muskan Sharma is a law student at Calcutta University. 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. 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. She would go on to release a successful self-titled album in 1998, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. #SomeoneWhoLovesMusicWayTooMuch Her family also wouldnt be a witness for prosecutors, but things are different now. She. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Fast forwarding to now, R Kelly pretty much got a life sentence plus he still has more charges to face. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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,. In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost. "You have no idea whether this was put together by someone trying to get money from Robert, do you?" because you deserve it! Sparkle also heard the news of her niece's testimony and took to Instagram to discuss the allegations. 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. (Genson tripped her up on cross, when she said she was never in possession of the tape, even though her brother and his ex-wife had testified that she was.) Latest dancehall and hip hop news and music at your fingertips. Celebrate (From "Sparkle") Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks. 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. Chicago police have not charged Kelly, and will only say that their investigation is continuing. Sparkle, however, disputed the witness account after a social media user questioned her about it. But I didnt know that a bomb was coming.. 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. Find a review of [article id="1587729"]the major players in the R. Kelly trial here[/article]. Career. But in 2001, when she actually witnessed the tape herself, she didn't hesitate to call. Both have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors believe that there were many more girls, beyond the initially cited 12, who were victim to Kellys abuse. 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. 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.