When she watched the recording, she said, she recognized her niece, "You know your blood," Sparkle 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. Sparkle met singer R. Kelly in 1989. Whats your take on it? 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Home. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldnt be more thrilled about it. Last week, Kellywas arrested for an additional 13 counts of federal sex trafficking and child pornography charges. She said she regretted bringing her niece to Kelly's studio and later his home -- "my mistake," Sparkle said. But let me chill. A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). Activity. Genson accused Sparkle of being bitter and characterized the end of her working relationship with Kelly as a firing. 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. Shortly after the tape was released, the woman's aunt - 1990s R&B singer Sparkle - came forward and blasted her former mentor R Kelly. Prosecutors say he victimized 12 women, at least eight of whom were underage at the time of the events. 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. 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. 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. For years, Sparkle has made claims about Kelly allegedly abusing her niece . Please say its not you, the user said. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Sparkle has long asserted that her niece was abused by Kelly. 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. 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. So I feel a responsibility for that also, although I'm not responsible for his actions, I feel responsible for even taking her there. I know them. Sparkle first introduced her then-12-year-old niece to Kelly in 1997 a decision that still haunts her to this day. Celebrate (From "Sparkle") Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks. Kelly is now facing state and federal charges including sexual assault, obstruction of justice, child pornography, and racketeering. There's no denying it,' she says on the stand. Sparkle also heard the news of her niece's testimony and took to Instagram to discuss the allegations. TikTok video from Samke Ndlovu INdlovu (@samkeindlovukaz): "#Aunty and Niece Challenge ". Sparkle says she became suspicious of R. Kelly's involvement with her teenage niece in 2001. I went at it alone. "I wanted this to go away. That's it.". [article id="1587950"]The mother of another friend of the alleged girl on the tape[/article] cried when she talked about seeing the tape for the first time and recognizing her daughter's friend, saying she was "100 percent certain" it was her by her face, her hairstyle and her voice. It's disgusting. Among things hes already been convicted of, prosecutors accuse him of abusing young girls for decades and filming their encounters. 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! We publish narratives intentionally and specifically to enlighten and transform the world. 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. 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. 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. Sparkle stated that her niece was "doing the will of her mom," who she says has allegiance to R. Kelly. Kelly is on trial in Chicago for child pornography and charges that he rigged his 2008 trial to secure his freedom by intimidating the witnesses and using money to make the victim disappear. . Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! It's messed up. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Sparkle: Directed by Salim Akil. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. "She's doing exactly what he told her to do. 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. MadameNoire Copyright 2023 BossipMadameNoire, LLC All Rights Reserved | BHM Digital, a federal indictment, of paying the girl and her father to lie to investigators. 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. Sparkle testified at trial in 2008 that the man in the video was Mr. Kelly, and that the girl was her 14-year-old niece. 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. Her family would rather keep the matter quiet, she said, even if that means protecting an alleged predator. As of now, Sparkles niece and her attorney have yet to respond to Sparkles claim she lied on the stand. Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as Jane in R. Kellys criminal trial, where he faces charges for child pornography. 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. Singer Sparkle found herself in the middle of R. Kellys federal child pornography trial. 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. Apple Music Film, TV & Stage. Genson suggested that Sparkle next tried to conspire with former Kelly manager Barry Hankerson "about doing something bad to Robert. When R. Kelly was acquitted on child pornography charges in 2008, jurors reportedly said it was because the 14-year-old girl he was accused of sexually assaulting on video refused to testify. Stephanie Edwards (born May 13, 1975), better known by her stage name Sparkle, is an American R&B singer. Like she said on "Surviving R. Kelly," Sparkle reiterated that she was naive at the . While a lot of people thinking that Sparkle was the one who introduced her niece to R Kelly and left her there, she explains that there were many other family members more involved than she was. "She's my niece. MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 'You just know your family. No," she said. 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. Recording artist Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards accused R. Kelly of having sex with her 14-year-old niece at his 2008 trial. Three sisters form a singing group in 1950s Harlem, but success threatens to ruin their relationship forever. On Friday, Sparkle took to social media to denounce some of the claims made by her niece on the stand. If you are in your 40s you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). She admits that some things went down but now she is saying her aunt encouraged it. In addition to child pornography, Kelly is facing state and federal charges of obstruction of justice, sexual assault and racketeering. Of course Im in full unwavering support of them and their act of courage.. ), "I watched a few seconds of it, and I refused to watch the rest," Adra Gengler testified. Absolutely NOT! In @nytimes Feat. Bop Shop: Songs From J-Hope And J. 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Genson pointed out that the girl is seen receiving money on the tape. "I have an ex-manager that's been on my back," he 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? 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. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. MadameNoire is a sophisticated lifestyle publication that gives African-American women the latest in fashion trends, We were very cordial.". 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. 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 . To what degree, singer, Sparkle's niece, is cooperating with authorities is still not official. People are trying to make money off my music and my name in a very, very negative way. Although a jury acquitted R. Kelly,. If you are in your 40's you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). Photo Credit: Gary Miller for Getty Images). Profession: Singer. Prosecutors believe that there were many more girls, beyond the initially cited 12, who were victim to Kellys abuse. 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. 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. 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. ", Sparkle said that she regrets not being a better protector of her niece. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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 . In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. "But until our investigation is . You just know your family. She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. ", Genson then made a comment about the girl on the tape looking like a willing participant. In "Surviving R. Kelly," Edwards discusses Kelly's behavior toward her while they worked together. If convicted, he'd have to register as a sex offender. Kelly would ultimately be acquitted on charges pertaining to the tape. Earlier this week, the disgraced singer and his legal team appeared in a Chicago court, where Kelly faces several criminal charges. because you deserve it! Sparkle's niece recently confronted something against her aunt and as a result, Sparkle claimed that her niece had lied about her. The Jane Doe witness, who allegedly was a minor when she first met Kelly but is now an adult, reportedly told the court that Sparkle instructed her to ask Kelly to be her godfather. Her family eventually began to allow her to visit with Kelly without an adult present. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. 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. Sparkle first started singing in her family's gospel music group. 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. Now that her niece has finished testifying, Sparkle is speaking out again - and what she's saying is EXPLOSIVE. Kellys trial is ongoing, with the sex tapes of other underaged victims set to be played for jurors. Will No Longer Be Pursuing These Indictments: Chicago Prosecutor Drops Sex-Abuse Charges Against Singer R. Kelly Months After Conviction. Sparkle thinks that allegiance to Robert still exists. Kelly faces 14 counts of child pornography -- seven for directing, seven for producing. 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. 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. 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. His response thus far has been that the tapes are fabricated and that he's been blackmailed. There are a lot of people who are very jealous of me right now and they're trying to destroy me.". With Philip Michael Thomas, Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith. His first albums. Sparkle Net Worth: Sparkle is an American R&B singer who has a net worth of $600 thousand. Sparkle testified against Kelly in 2008 but, as we all know, he was found not guilty. Our societys awareness and understanding of sexual assault has increased while Kellys funds have dwindled. 1 on iTunes. Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldn't be more thrilled about it. The prosecution has not responded to the claim. 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. #SomeoneWhoLovesMusicWayTooMuch "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. 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. One of the first witnesses to take the stand this week was Kellys victim that was featured on the original sex tape that leaked. She would go on to release a successful self-titled album in 1998, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. FAQ + Create an Account / Login. Whats The Deal With This R. Kelly Album That Dropped? It's sickening. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. She says "There have been too many girls to count. Sparkle is best known for her 1998 R&B debut hit single 'Be Careful '. 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. Please say its not you., Sparkle replied, Absolutely NOT! 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. Find a review of [article id="1587729"]the major players in the R. Kelly trial here[/article]. "I know my family. 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. 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. At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. What is the relationship between the two singers? Uh Oh! 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