Kellys trial is ongoing, with the sex tapes of other underaged victims set to be played for jurors. The Times. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. The video was of a man urinating on a little girl while she called him daddy. 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. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! Sparkle says she became suspicious of R. Kelly's involvement with her teenage niece in 2001. 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 (1976) - IMDb "A lot of people know about it, but when the smoke clears, you guys will really be able to know exactly what is going on. Sparkle, Once R. Kelly's Protge, May Testify Against Him. Again. 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. 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. 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. Girl In Alleged R. Kelly Tape Said To Be 14-Year-Old Niece Of Singer . Singer Sparkle Denies Her Niece's Claims That She Introduced Her To R 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. 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. As of now, Sparkles niece and her attorney have yet to respond to Sparkles claim she lied on the stand. 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. Career. This can't be real, can it? : r/awfuleverything - reddit 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. 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. Sparkle first introduced her then-12-year-old niece to Kelly in 1997 a decision that still haunts her to this day. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. #SomeoneWhoLovesMusicWayTooMuch Update: Sparkle Calls Her Niece's Claims in R. Kelly's Trial an Singer Sparkle found herself in the middle of R. Kellys federal child pornography trial. 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 . When she watched the recording, she said, she recognized her niece, "You know your blood," Sparkle said. We were very cordial.". In "Surviving R. Kelly," Edwards discusses Kelly's behavior toward her while they worked together. 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. Now that her niece has finished testifying, Sparkle is speaking out again - and what she's saying is EXPLOSIVE. "I just shied away from the industry. because you deserve it! 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. Trivia 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 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. But things have changed since 2008. Its not clear to what extent shes working with investigators, but her attorney, Christopher L. Brown, confirmed that she is indeed cooperating. 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. Stay tuned to Thirsty for more updates. In her video, Sparkle read a statement from her phone and said, "Not all that you heard yesterday from my niece is true. 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. However, her sister Valerie didn't want to do anything about the tape, and the family became divided. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sparkle continued, This is another form of the terrible decision-making of her mom and in my opinion, the unfortunate continuing allegiance to Robert.. Sparkle (singer) - Wikipedia Stephanie Edwards, a singer known as Sparkle, testified at R. Kelly's 2008 trial. She. Sparkle - Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. "I'm beyond pleased to finally hear the mountain I've tirelessly worked on moving over the. R. Kelly's Inner Circle: Bruce Kelly, Demetrius Smith, Sparkle, And Sparkle (2012) - IMDb Heres Why. Yes, Sparkle identified the 14-year-old as her sister's daughter and that the girl was engaging in filth with the Pied Piper of R&Pee. R. Kelly's Former Backup Dancer, Sparkle, Slams His Interview With Sparkle's Niece Now Working With Authorities In R. Kelly Case I wish they were backing [me] when I was coming up and had a story to tell, but nobody believed. Sparkle Claims Her Niece Lied About Her In R. Kelly Case - Thirsty for News Singer Sparkle Responds To Her Niece Testifying In R Kelly's Trial As of today, they're still investigating the situation. People are trying to make money off my music and my name in a very, very negative way. During an Instagram broadcast, she decided to put a few things in context.. 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 addition to child pornography, Kelly is facing state and federal charges of obstruction of justice, sexual assault and racketeering. Kelly is now facing state and federal charges including sexual assault, obstruction of justice, child pornography, and racketeering. Black women In the old video footage, Kelly can be seen engaging in sex acts with the young girl, whom he also urinates on. Chrisean Rock Announces Blueface Made It Official With Her 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. What is the relationship between the two singers? Who, do you believe, is lying? Sparkle stated that her niece was "doing the will of her mom," who she says has allegiance to R. Kelly. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Trust me.". Uh Oh! Sparkle: Directed by Sam O'Steen. Sparkle Shares What Was Left Out Of "Surviving R. Kelly" - MadameNoire 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. Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. There's no denying it. Sparkle has responded in a video (see below) to her nieces testimony: Absolutely NOT!! R. Kelly was later acquitted of all charges. Among things hes already been convicted of, prosecutors accuse him of abusing young girls for decades and filming their encounters. 6 2019, Updated 5:51 a.m. Sparkle is best known for her 1998 R&B debut hit single 'Be Careful '. Sparkle niece is still with R kelly - YouTube 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. Singer Sparkle's Allegations About R. Kelly And Her Niece In 'Surviving A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). Sparkle has since thanked "Surviving R. Kelly" producer Dream Hampton for once again bringing attention to the alleged crimes. 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. Naked Pic of Serena Williams Goes Viral! At the time, she and her family denied her appearance in the video and refused to testify. Sparkle Addresses Niece's Testimony Against R. Kelly - Yahoo! Sparkle (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Apple Music Please say its not you, the user said. "Anger? According to reports, Sparkle was allegedly suggested by the niece. She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. Sparkle was born Stephanie Edwards on May 13, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois. Genson accused Sparkle of being bitter and characterized the end of her working relationship with Kelly as a firing. Singer Sparkle Responds To Her Niece Testifying In R Kelly's Trial - WZAK Bop Shop: Songs From J-Hope And J. 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"He made her do [those sexual acts]," she said. The decision, many believe, ultimately resulted in the jury acquitting the singer. 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. Report: Then-14-Year-Old in R. Kelly's Sexual Assault Tape Is Now The woman disclosed that her aunt and her parents knew about her being around Kelly. 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. 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. The woman claimed that Kelly agreed to serve as her godfather and that her parents had given their blessing. I went at it alone. 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,. She told me that I should ask him to be my godfather, she shared according to CNN, explaining that deepening the relationship established trust. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You cant stifle me. Sparkle Talks R Kelly, Aaliyah Marriage, Introducing Cousin To Singer He rose to fame after singing as an eight-year-old in church before winning a $100,000 grand prize on the syndicated US television talent show, "Big Break," hosted by Natalie Cole. She said there was no bitterness between her and Kelly over the split: "He was my homeboy. Sparkle did try and make up for her mistake, and I don't believe her niece in saying rub his head, I believe the niece is permanently damaged by Robert and her parents and her parents told her to say that to take the blame off of them. 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. Sparkle prayed for her niece to one day tell the truth and shame the devil and for them to be a family again. Sparkle's age is 47. She got . Her family eventually began to allow her to visit with Kelly without an adult present. The girl I knew was always bubbly, but she seems like a robot in that video. You just know your family. Celebrate (From "Sparkle") Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks. Both have pleaded not guilty. Sparkle first started singing in her family's gospel music group. 8771 1829 linktr.ee/sparklelivemusic Posts Reels Tagged Show More Posts from sparklelivemusic But let me chill. Sparkle also heard the news of her niece's testimony and took to Instagram to discuss the allegations. 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. Earlier this week, the disgraced singer and his legal team appeared in a Chicago court, where Kelly faces several criminal charges. Aunt Of R. Kelly's Victim Denies Telling Then 14-Year-Old To Rub Singer Sparkle said in disgust. ", Though it's causing division within her family, Sparkle said that she's aiding the Chicago police investigation. On the stand this afternoon, Stephanie Edwards (aka R&B singer Sparkle) says that she introduced the alleged victim, a budding rapper and singer, to Kelly when the three of them met up in the. Advancing the culture and building bridges. She says "There have been too many girls to count. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. "But until our investigation is . 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. (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.) I was ashamed.. It's very upsetting to my family. 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. Find a review of [article id="1587729"]the major players in the R. Kelly trial here[/article]. "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. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldnt be more thrilled about it. Fourteen witnesses had identified the girl in the video during the 20018 trial, but she and members of her family did not testify. Bop Shop: Songs From J-Hope And J. 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Sparkle, born Stephanie Edwards, issued a video statement denying the claims. The Times reports, her lawyer says she is now cooperating with authorities. 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. What do you think about the matter? Sparkle met singer R. Kelly in 1989. 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. Sparkle - Age, Bio, Personal Life, Family & Stats - CelebsAges Sparkle testified against Kelly in 2008 but, as we all know, he was found not guilty. The long-running criminal case of R. Kelly consistently takes strange turns that leaves fans perplexed and for which the case becomes more complicated. Her family would rather keep the matter quiet, she said, even if that means protecting an alleged predator. Stephanie Edwards (born May 13, 1975), better known by her stage name Sparkle, is an American R&B singer. Drama! Sparkle Denies Niece's Testimony That She Brought Her to R Sparkle Has Been Waiting 20 Years For This Verdict - "Her niece's At the time, Sparkle was largely ignored by the media. ", Sparkle wasn't the only witness to get emotional on the stand Thursday. Please say its not you., Sparkle replied, Absolutely NOT! Jurors and observers heard the gory details from the 14-year-old, who disclosed that the singer began grooming the 14-year-old victim and began having sex with her at just 15 years old when Kelly was around 30 years old. 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. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 'You just know your family. 90s R&B Singer Sparkle Responds To Niece Testimony Against R Kelly "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].". 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. 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. 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. 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. R. Kelly's former protg Stephanie Edwards, who recorded under the name Sparkle, also spoke on the verdict. The singer used social media to "put a few things in context.". Sparkle, however, disputed the witness account after a social media user questioned her about it. Offset Changes Instagram Avatar to Takeoff Photo After His Death. With Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps. In her traumatic account, she recalled her aunt introducing her to Kelly and encouraging her to build a close relationship with the now-disgraced singer. 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. It's disgusting. No," she said. Sparkle Denies The Claims Made By Her Niece In Court--Says She Never Knowing that theres no right answer to explain their ongoing actions and years of support for Robert once learning about that tape, the clear plan is to try and take me down because Ive been so vocal, she explained. I know them. We want to hear from you! "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]. R. Kellys new case may end differently than his last. She previously told the Cut that, when Kelly was producing her first album in the late '90s, she thought the singer could also help her niece, an aspiring rapper, launch a career. Sound it in the comments. Singer Sparkle, who formerly recorded with Kelly, says Landfair is her niece. 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. 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. 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. 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? 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. One of those relatives, singer Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, testified Thursday that she had introduced the alleged victim to Kelly, and that the girl called him her "Godfather." 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. R. Kelly's ex-wife Drea and singer Sparkle react to his conviction I'm happy to see the #MeToo movement and Time's Up movement are backing these women. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldn't be more thrilled about it. Last week, Kellywas arrested for an additional 13 counts of federal sex trafficking and child pornography charges.