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. In the meantime, Kelly has hired private investigator Jack Palladino to help build his defense, Palladino's office confirmed. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. His response thus far has been that the tapes are fabricated and that he's been blackmailed. Those suspicions were heightened after a now-infamous video, which shows Kelly intimately engaging. If convicted, he'd have to register as a sex offender. In addition to child pornography, Kelly is facing state and federal charges of obstruction of justice, sexual assault and racketeering. Genson suggested that Sparkle next tried to conspire with former Kelly manager Barry Hankerson "about doing something bad to Robert. 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. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Stay tuned to Thirsty for more updates. We were tight, tight, tight." 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. Among the issues covered in the investigatory program were allegations made by a former Kelly protege, Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards. Sparkle: Directed by Salim Akil. Trust me.". Sparkle has openly confronted the fact that her niece has lied about her in court. Our societys awareness and understanding of sexual assault has increased while Kellys funds have dwindled. 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. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. As of now, Sparkles niece and her attorney have yet to respond to Sparkles claim she lied on the stand. Picture Perfect Poster Girl: Taylour Paige Stars As "Boogie's" Leading Lady, UPDATE: Jesseca Dupart Denies That LisaRaye Found Out About Da Brat's Pregnancy Via Social Media, Your Weekly Helping Of Tidday Meats & Treats On The Gram, Cougar Chronicles! 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. 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 Sparkle was born Stephanie Edwards on May 13, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois. In @nytimes Feat. 2 on the R&B charts and was certified gold soon after . 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. She admits that some things went down but now she is saying her aunt encouraged it. She also attested to having sexual encounters with the singer hundreds of times since the age of 14. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. I also did not want that person to be me, Jane testified. Though she hadn't witnessed anything between Kelly and her niece that could be considered inappropriate, Sparkle said she saw hints of things that she didn't want to acknowledge at the time, "little hints of something, little touches," that in hindsight concerned her. She writes for Thirsty for News, covering world news and entertainment. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. There are a lot of people who are very jealous of me right now and they're trying to destroy me.". Three sisters form a singing group in 1950s Harlem, but success threatens to ruin their relationship forever. 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. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly . Earlier this week, Kelly who wore ankle shackles along with his orange jumpsuit, pled not guilty to the charges. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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 . 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. She would go on to release a successful self-titled album in 1998, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. The long-running criminal case of R. Kelly consistently takes strange turns that leaves fans perplexed and for which the case becomes more complicated. 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. Lets continue to pray for healing in this family. Sparkle prayed for her niece to one day tell the truth and shame the devil and for them to be a family again. "We were thick as thieves," Sparkle said of the family's closeness before the meeting. Kelly is now facing state and federal charges including sexual assault, obstruction of justice, child pornography, and racketeering. 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. All Rights Reserved. She says "There have been too many girls to count. Although a jury acquitted R. Kelly,. 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. Its not clear to what extent shes working with investigators, but her attorney, Christopher L. Brown, confirmed that she is indeed cooperating. Prosecutors say he victimized 12 women, at least eight of whom were underage at the time of the events. There's no denying it. You cant stifle me. This encounter disheartened Sparkle and caused her to step back from her career in entertainment. All Rights Reserved. What, exactly, is the relationship between Kelly and Sparkle, and what are the claims being made against the infamous artist? 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. 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. During an Instagram broadcast, she decided to put a few things in context.. The decades-long crusade cost the 46-year-old her closest relationships and stifled her own music career. His first albums. It's very upsetting to my family. 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. The girl I knew was always bubbly, but she seems like a robot in that video. People are trying to make money off my music and my name in a very, very negative way. 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 Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Recording artist Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards accused R. Kelly of having sex with her 14-year-old niece at his 2008 trial. When she watched the recording, she said, she recognized her niece, "You know your blood," Sparkle said. 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. Modern Movie Musical Essentials. Sparkle met singer R. Kelly in 1989. "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said during the emotional trial, according to MTV. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places. "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. For full coverage of the case, read the R. Kelly Reports and check out this [article id="1586932"]complete timeline[/article] of the events leading up to the trial. 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. 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 has responded in a video (see below) to her nieces testimony: Absolutely NOT!! In an Instagram video, Sparkle called the confusion a family feud and stated that she wanted to put a few things in context., Absolutely NOT!! But now people are seeing.". The woman claimed that Kelly agreed to serve as her godfather and that her parents had given their blessing. 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. 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. She said that his acquittal then affected her view of the #MeToo movement a decade later. 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. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldn't be more thrilled about it. NBA Bans Donald Sterling For Life after Racist Comments. Trivia What is the relationship between the two singers? "I wanted this to go away. 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. "I just shied away from the industry. "She's doing exactly what he told her to do. Uh Oh! But I didnt know that a bomb was coming.. 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." Sparkle stated that her niece was "doing the will of her mom," who she says has allegiance to R. Kelly. This ongoing R. Kelly trial has caused one of the disgraced singer's former artists to come forward to defend herself. [He] cant tell me what I can and cant do. Back in 2008, Kelly ended up being acquitted on charges of child pornography. The alleged victim on the tape is also the niece of the singer Sparkle, whom Kelly mentored as an artist early in her career. Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. 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? Naked Pic of Serena Williams Goes Viral! [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. Sparkle did, however, testify against Kelly when he was on trial for child porn that featured her niece. Absolutely NOT! It's sickening. Kellys federal trial in Chicago began last week and he is faced with charges of producing and receiving child pornography, enticing minors to engage in criminal sexual activity, and obstruction charges. Close Menu. You just know your family. Please say its not you, the user said. Cardi B and Offset Meal Boycotted By Several McDonalds Franchise Owners, Gary Owens Estranged Wife Clowns His New Boo On The Gram, Da Brat Reveals Shes Pregnant at 48, Expecting Baby With Wife Jesseca Judy Dupart, R. Kelly Sentenced to 20 Years for Child Sex Crimes in Illinois. 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 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. While the witness is addressed in court as Jane, her story included identifying details, including that she is Sparkles niece. Chicago police have not charged Kelly, and will only say that their investigation is continuing. Sparkle: Directed by Sam O'Steen. We want to hear from you! An exchange between two ex-lovers? 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. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Find a review of [article id="1587729"]the major players in the R. Kelly trial here[/article]. Photo Credit: Gary Miller for Getty Images). She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. The singer used social media to "put a few things in context.". Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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. Kelly faces 14 counts of child pornography -- seven for directing, seven for producing. 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. "Hampton spoke to me and spoke to my management," Edwards continued. Sparkle went on to sign with Motown Records and released a second album, titled "Told You So," in 2000. Sparkle says she became suspicious of R. Kelly's involvement with her teenage niece in 2001. Stephanie Edwards, a singer known as Sparkle, testified at R. Kelly's 2008 trial. - YouTube 0:00 / 25:48 Intro EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea Kelly. "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said. Sparkle, however, disputed the witness account after a social media user questioned her about it. MadameNoire is a sophisticated lifestyle publication that gives African-American women the latest in fashion trends, We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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 to Kelly, how she later came to discover that the sex tape existed, and how that drove her family apart. 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. Kelly got emotional during the sit-down and alleged that he is "fighting for his . Sparkle, real name Stephanie Edwards, also positively identified R. Kelly as the man on the tape engaging in illegal sex with her 13-year-old niece. Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly. At the time, Sparkle was largely ignored by the media. Sound it in the comments. "You couldn't break the chain with us. Mar. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. "She's my niece. Sparkle continued, This is another form of the terrible decision-making of her mom and in my opinion, the unfortunate continuing allegiance to Robert.. Offset Changes Instagram Avatar to Takeoff Photo After His Death. "I have an ex-manager that's been on my back," he said. I went at it alone. 3 min read Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as "Jane" in R.. 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. He has pleaded not guilty. A new development in the case has resulted from the Sparkles nieces recent admission of the truth. 8771 1829 linktr.ee/sparklelivemusic Posts Reels Tagged Show More Posts from sparklelivemusic Creator of Bridget EEs Bloghouse, a A Place Where Real Music Is Previewed and Reviewed. She said she regretted bringing her niece to Kelly's studio and later his home -- "my mistake," Sparkle said. Her family eventually began to allow her to visit with Kelly without an adult present. If you are in your 40s you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). @lifetimetv SRK For Girls/Women linktr.ee/isparklei Posts Reels Videos Tagged 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. Sparkle said in disgust. It's so very sad.". 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. because you deserve it! "Anger? "But until our investigation is . which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. Last week in court R. Kellys original case, Sparkles niece at 30 plus years took the stand to testify. But after R. and I parted ways, it was me not watching over her. Sparkle also heard the news of her niece's testimony and took to Instagram to discuss the allegations. 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. 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. Fourteen witnesses had identified the girl in the video during the 20018 trial, but she and members of her family did not testify. I'm happy to see the #MeToo movement and Time's Up movement are backing these women. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. 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. 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. 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].. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Of course Im in full unwavering support of them and their act of courage.. TikTok video from Samke Ndlovu INdlovu (@samkeindlovukaz): "#Aunty and Niece Challenge ". Fast forwarding to now, R Kelly pretty much got a life sentence plus he still has more charges to face. In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. Last week, Kellywas arrested for an additional 13 counts of federal sex trafficking and child pornography charges. Sparkle Net Worth: Sparkle is an American R&B singer who has a net worth of $600 thousand. Her family would rather keep the matter quiet, she said, even if that means protecting an alleged predator. 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. 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. In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost. Activity. 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. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. 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. 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. 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. Sparkles niece recently confronted something against her aunt and as a result, Sparkle claimed that her niece had lied about her. It's disgusting. 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. 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 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. Music Videos. 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. Like she said on "Surviving R. Kelly," Sparkle reiterated that she was naive at the . At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. 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. Blog. 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. 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. But things have changed since 2008. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. But after the meeting, "There was one side and another side," she said. 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 . The Times reports, her lawyer says she is now cooperating with authorities. For full coverage of the ongoing R. Kelly case, see The R. Kelly Trial Reports. I've been blackmailed for the last four years, and I didn't give in, and I'm still not gonna give in. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois and first met Kelly in 1989.