Women — and women of color more specifically— have been making accusations of sexual abuse against R. Kelly for decades. Those allegations were finally taken seriously with the broadcast of Lifetime docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly,” which saw Kelly survivors sharing their stories and shedding light on how and why the R&B artist’s predatory behavior was excused for so long. Now the effect “Surviving R. Kelly” had on culture, the way we talk about sexual abuse and its victims, and R. Kelly himself will be explored in a two-hour follow-up special. Per Deadline, “Surviving R. Kelly: The Impact” will air May 4 at 10 PM ET/PT on Lifetime.
Emmy-winning journalist and anchor Soledad O’Brien is set to host “The Impact.” The special will include clips from “Surviving R. Kelly,” “interviews with journalists, legal experts, non-profit organizations, and psychologists [discussing] the ongoing story surrounding R. Kelly, including an in-depth look at his now infamous interview with Gayle King and the women who are still standing by his side,” the source reports. Elizabeth Waller is executive producing.
Over the past 25 years, Kelly has been sued for sexual misconduct, statutory rape, aggravated assault, and more; indicted for 21 counts of child porn; and accused of sexually abusing and imprisoning women.
Since “Surviving R. Kelly’s” premiere, Kelly has been arrested and indicted on 10 felony counts of aggravated sexual assault. Shortly after the docuseries debuted, more women came forward with accusations against the singer, and activists demanded that Kelly be dropped by his record label. As Deadline notes, “calls to sexual assault hotlines increased by 35%.”
“Surviving R. Kelly” was watched by more than 26 million people. It received the 2019 LA Press Club President’s Award for Impact on Media and showrunner dream hampton made Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list.
Prior to the docuseries’ launch, Women of Color (WOC), a Time’s Up subcommittee that concentrates on issues affecting women of color, published a statement calling for a proper investigation into Kelly’s alleged misconduct.
O’Brien has won two News & Documentary Emmys. She has appeared on “The Talk,” “Real Time with Bill Maher,” “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien,” and “Mysteries & Scandals,” among many other programs. She’s also produced news specials such as “Kids Behind Bars” and “Heroin USA.”
