I know them. Sparkle replied with a strong denial. Home. MadameNoire Copyright 2023 BossipMadameNoire, LLC All Rights Reserved | BHM Digital, a federal indictment, of paying the girl and her father to lie to investigators. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Whats your take on it? If convicted, he'd have to register as a sex offender. Sparkle has always admitted to introducing her then-12-year-old niece to Kelly, a decision she has said she's haunted by. Her testimony sliced her family into factions, relegating her to years of . All Rights Reserved. What do you think about the matter? "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said during the emotional trial, according to MTV. While the survivors have now found justice, Sparkle said she still feels guilty for introducing her niece to Kelly in 1997. They would pretty much drop me off and then leave, she said about her parents and the introduction by her aunt. ", Sparkle wasn't the only witness to get emotional on the stand Thursday. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. The partnership between the two dissipated over creative differences, leading her to amicably ask for release from the label, according to MTV. One of the disgraced singers former artists has stepped forward to defend herself in the ongoing R. Kelly trial. 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's age is 47. Featured On. She writes for Thirsty for News, covering world news and entertainment. 3 min read Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as "Jane" in R.. The alleged victim on the tape is also the niece of the singer Sparkle, whom Kelly mentored as an artist early in her career. Singer Sparkle found herself in the middle of R. Kellys federal child pornography trial. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. I went at it alone. 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. 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. Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as Jane in R. Kellys criminal trial, where he faces charges for child pornography. Among things hes already been convicted of, prosecutors accuse him of abusing young girls for decades and filming their encounters. 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. ET. There are a lot of people who are very jealous of me right now and they're trying to destroy me.". Celebrate (From "Sparkle") Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks. 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. Chicago police have not charged Kelly, and will only say that their investigation is continuing. But now people are seeing.". 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. Sound it in the comments. Last week, Kellywas arrested for an additional 13 counts of federal sex trafficking and child pornography charges. In one of his few public comments on the issue, Kelly told Chicago radio station WGCI-FM in Chicago on April 4 that he couldn't comment on much of the scandal, per his attorney's advice. 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. Stephanie Edwards made a statement to the New York Times: Sparkle says she became suspicious of R. Kelly's involvement with her teenage niece in 2001. 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. Its no secret the original R Kelly having relations with a minor (allegedly) video was all over the streets on VHS. 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. "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. 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? Years ago, Kelly was accused of abusing Sparkles niece, but during Kellys current trial, the niece claimed that Sparkle encouraged the interactions. Bop Shop: Songs From J-Hope And J. 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To what degree, singer, Sparkle's niece, is cooperating with authorities is still not official. "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. Those suspicions were heightened after a now-infamous video, which shows Kelly intimately engaging. NBA Bans Donald Sterling For Life after Racist Comments. The video was of a man urinating on a little girl while she called him daddy. Here's Where to Find the Best Corned Beef in Cleveland! 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. It's very upsetting. Absolutely NOT! Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Sparkle's niece recently confronted something against her aunt and as a result, Sparkle claimed that her niece had lied about her. Sparkle thinks that allegiance to Robert still exists. 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. Like she said on "Surviving R. Kelly," Sparkle reiterated that she was naive at the . Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Among the issues covered in the investigatory program were allegations made by a former Kelly protege, Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Naked Pic of Serena Williams Goes Viral! 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. R. Kelly's former protg Stephanie Edwards, who recorded under the name Sparkle, also spoke on the verdict. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. @lifetimetv SRK For Girls/Women linktr.ee/isparklei Posts Reels Videos Tagged 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. If you are in your 40s you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). Genson suggested that Sparkle next tried to conspire with former Kelly manager Barry Hankerson "about doing something bad to Robert. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! In addition to child pornography, Kelly is facing state and federal charges of obstruction of justice, sexual assault and racketeering. So I feel a responsibility for that also, although I'm not responsible for his actions, I feel responsible for even taking her there. "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 Net Worth: Sparkle is an American R&B singer who has a net worth of $600 thousand. For years, Sparkle has made claims about Kelly allegedly abusing her niece . We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Her family also wouldnt be a witness for prosecutors, but things are different now. On Friday, Sparkle took to social media to denounce some of the claims made by her niece on the stand. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldnt be more thrilled about it. A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). 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,. which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. Career. Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. "Of course not. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldn't be more thrilled about it. Sparkle continued, This is another form of the terrible decision-making of her mom and in my opinion, the unfortunate continuing allegiance to Robert.. 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). MadameNoire is a sophisticated lifestyle publication that gives African-American women the latest in fashion trends, Sparkles niece recently confronted something against her aunt and as a result, Sparkle claimed that her niece had lied about her. 11 Songs. 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. Sparkle, wearing a touch of silver glitter on her face, testified that in December 2001, she got a phone call from an attorney telling her that a relative of hers was on a sex tape she needed to see, at which point an associate of the attorney's came to her home and played her the tape. In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. 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. She said she regretted bringing her niece to Kelly's studio and later his home -- "my mistake," Sparkle said. We were very cordial.". - YouTube 0:00 / 25:48 Intro EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea Kelly. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. We were a gospel group just years prior so me thinking about them for them was partly programmed in meagain, Because Robert was given the opportunity to have his own imprint, record label, I introduced my sister, my brother-in-law and my niece to Robert at CRC studios in 1997 in hopes of landing my niece a career in this industry, not a concert as she testified, Sparkle said. Stephanie Edwards, a singer known as Sparkle, testified at R. Kelly's 2008 trial. If convicted, Kelly would face the maximum of 195 years in prison. Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly . #SomeoneWhoLovesMusicWayTooMuch Sparkle has since thanked "Surviving R. Kelly" producer Dream Hampton for once again bringing attention to the alleged crimes. 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 . Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Kelly faces 14 counts of child pornography -- seven for directing, seven for producing. 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].. Close Menu. Shortly after the tape was released, the woman's aunt - 1990s R&B singer Sparkle - came forward and blasted her former mentor 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. 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? Please say its not you., Sparkle replied, Absolutely NOT! R. Kelly was later acquitted of all charges. Offset Changes Instagram Avatar to Takeoff Photo After His Death. We publish narratives intentionally and specifically to enlighten and transform the world. She said there was no bitterness between her and Kelly over the split: "He was my homeboy. Blog. Genson pointed out that the girl is seen receiving money on the tape. 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. 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. Sparkle was horrified when she discovered that it was her niece at the center of Kelly's 2002 child pornography indictment. She also attested to having sexual encounters with the singer hundreds of times since the age of 14. 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. 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 . Although a jury acquitted R. Kelly,. I also did not want that person to be me, Jane testified. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. Bossip Comment Policy While the witness is addressed in court as Jane, her story included identifying details, including that she is Sparkles niece. Kids edition - Orlando And Sparkle. Profession: Singer. She told me that I should ask him to be my godfather, she shared according to CNN, explaining that deepening the relationship established trust. R. Kellys new case may end differently than his last. Prosecutors believe that there were many more girls, beyond the initially cited 12, who were victim to Kellys abuse. 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. If you are in your 40's you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). You just know your family. I wish they were backing [me] when I was coming up and had a story to tell, but nobody believed. Advancing the culture and building bridges. 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. Sparkle is best known for her 1998 R&B debut hit single 'Be Careful '. I'm happy to see the #MeToo movement and Time's Up movement are backing these women. She said that his acquittal then affected her view of the #MeToo movement a decade later. Prosecutors turned over to Kelly's defense team a DVD that alleges to show Kelly having sex with an underage girl in the 1990s. This encounter disheartened Sparkle and caused her to step back from her career in entertainment. Singer R. Kelly leaves the Leighton Criminal Courts Building following a hearing on June 26, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost. 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. 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. Kellys trial is ongoing, with the sex tapes of other underaged victims set to be played for jurors. 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. 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. The long-running criminal case of R. Kelly consistently takes strange turns that leaves fans perplexed and for which the case becomes more complicated. 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. 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. Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, a recording artist as well, was born on May 13, 1975. "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]. "Sparkle" featured a duet with Kelly, titled "Be Careful.". This ongoing R. Kelly trial has caused one of the disgraced singer's former artists to come forward to defend herself.

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