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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. 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. 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. NBA Bans Donald Sterling For Life after Racist Comments. 1 on iTunes. But things have changed since 2008. [He] cant tell me what I can and cant do. It's disgusting. Prosecutors turned over to Kelly's defense team a DVD that alleges to show Kelly having sex with an underage girl in the 1990s. The partnership between the two dissipated over creative differences, leading her to amicably ask for release from the label, according to MTV. In @nytimes Feat. She said she regretted bringing her niece to Kelly's studio and later his home -- "my mistake," Sparkle said. 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. But let me chill. 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. Sparkle says she became suspicious of R. Kelly's involvement with her teenage niece in 2001. BridgetEE: A Music and Entertainment blogger/ Historian / Global Grind Freelance Writer 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. 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. "She's like a robot." Custom Content Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand . Singer Sparkle, who formerly recorded with Kelly, says Landfair is her niece. He is accused of perpetrating these acts against 12 women, at least eight of which were underage at the time he was sexually involved with them. A new development in the case has resulted from the Sparkles nieces recent admission of the truth. Heres Why. The girl I knew was always bubbly, but she seems like a robot in that video. 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. What, exactly, is the relationship between Kelly and Sparkle, and what are the claims being made against the infamous artist? 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. Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. Earlier this week, the disgraced singer and his legal team appeared in a Chicago court, where Kelly faces several criminal charges. @lifetimetv SRK For Girls/Women linktr.ee/isparklei Posts Reels Videos Tagged Whats your take on it? 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. Stephanie Edwards (born May 13, 1975), better known by her stage name Sparkle, is an American R&B singer. By Kelly Butler. I wish they were backing [me] when I was coming up and had a story to tell, but nobody believed. Sparkle has always admitted to introducing her then-12-year-old niece to Kelly, a decision she has said she's haunted by. "I wanted this to go away. 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 Kellys 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. She attributed details of her nieces testimony to misguidance and the inability to think independently. 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. 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. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. What is the relationship between the two singers? 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. "Never. Its not clear to what extent shes working with investigators, but her attorney, Christopher L. Brown, confirmed that she is indeed cooperating. This encounter disheartened Sparkle and caused her to step back from her career in entertainment. The prosecution has not responded to the claim. 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. Prosecutors believe that there were many more girls, beyond the initially cited 12, who were victim to Kellys abuse. While the survivors have now found justice, Sparkle said she still feels guilty for introducing her niece to Kelly in 1997. "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]. But I didnt know that a bomb was coming.. Sparkle was born Stephanie Edwards on May 13, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois. Kelly faces 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. "She's my niece. advice and career trends - and MadameNoire provides all of that. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldnt be more thrilled about it. ", "No," she said. 5 Infamous Murder Cases Involving Athletes, Deadly Day for Rappers XXXTentacion and Wopo. 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. Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. 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. However, her sister Valerie didn't want to do anything about the tape, and the family became divided. Although a jury acquitted 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. Modern Movie Musical Essentials. Fourteen witnesses had identified the girl in the video during the 20018 trial, but she and members of her family did not testify. "She's doing exactly what he told her to do. ET. Sparkle explains that she testified against Kelly in court, although he allegedly tried to bribe her. ", Sparkle said that she regrets not being a better protector of her niece. 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. She was my heart.". 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 To what degree, singer, Sparkle's niece, is cooperating with authorities is still not official. In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. Among the issues covered in the investigatory program were allegations made by a former Kelly protege, Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. It's sickening. 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. Genson accused Sparkle of being bitter and characterized the end of her working relationship with Kelly as a firing. During an Instagram broadcast, she decided to put a few things in context.. Please say its not you., Sparkle replied, Absolutely NOT! She grew up in Chicago, Illinois and first met Kelly in 1989. 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! Kelly has been charged with multiple sex crimes involving four women, three of whom were underage at the time of the alleged encounters. 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. 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 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. 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. black entertainment news, parenting tips and beauty secrets that are specifically for black women. 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. 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 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). 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].. - YouTube 0:00 / 25:48 Intro EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea Kelly. PredIQtion Markets. Sparkle did, however, testify against Kelly when he was on trial for child porn that featured her niece. R. Kelly's former protg Stephanie Edwards, who recorded under the name Sparkle, also spoke on the verdict. 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. Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly . 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've been blackmailed for the last four years, and I didn't give in, and I'm still not gonna give in. 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. 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. She. 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. You just know your family. What do you think about the matter? Photo Credit: Gary Miller for Getty Images). His first albums. I was ashamed.. "Anger? In the indictment, Kelly gave the girl and her family gifts, money before and after the trial in exchange for her lying to investigators, being unavailable for interviews and refusing to testify against him. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. People are trying to make money off my music and my name in a very, very negative way. "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said during the emotional trial, according to MTV. because you deserve it! MadameNoire Copyright 2023 BossipMadameNoire, LLC All Rights Reserved | BHM Digital, a federal indictment, of paying the girl and her father to lie to investigators. ", More cases against R. Kelly will come forward, Sparkle predicted, if they don't settle out of court first. Sparkle, the girl in the picture and a few others confirmed it was said niece, but the rest of the nieces family said it was . Last week in court R. Kelly's original case, Sparkles niece at 30 plus years took the stand to testify. When I learned that, I would go out of my way to speak to people just to tick him off. Now that her niece has finished testifying, Sparkle is speaking out again - and what she's saying is EXPLOSIVE. Whitten Sabbatini for . Though his attorney argued that he was not a flight risk and had appeared at all of his court appointments on time, a judge denied bond calling the case extraordinarily serious.. 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. 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. Sparkle added that her niece, sister and brother-in-law all reported that nothing was going on, however. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. "You couldn't break the chain with us. 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." Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Sparkle Net Worth: Sparkle is an American R&B singer who has a net worth of $600 thousand. Sparkle has since thanked "Surviving R. Kelly" producer Dream Hampton for once again bringing attention to the alleged crimes. That I should rub his head and ask him to take that role in my life., Sparkle denied any wrongdoing when a social media user questioned her about being the aunt who was mentioned during the testimony. 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. We were still cool." With Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps. Nope, Sparkle didn't take a payout meanwhile R sending them on trips and paying for their houses. 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. Sparkle has long asserted that her niece was abused by Kelly. 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. 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. FAQ + Create an Account / Login. Who, do you believe, is lying? Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. Sparkle said in disgust. Shortly after the tape was released, the woman's aunt - 1990s R&B singer Sparkle - came forward and blasted her former mentor R Kelly. Trivia Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei) Instagram photos and videos isparklei Follow 180 posts 27.5K followers 395 following Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) Musician Obstacle Course EP - 7/13 Response To The Verdict @thecut Life Feat. 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. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. Its no secret the original R Kelly having relations with a minor (allegedly) video was all over the streets on VHS. If convicted, he'd have to register as a sex offender. According to the niece that is identified as Jane Doe, her aunt said,That I should rub his head and ask him to take that role in my life. as the young teens Godfather. Kelly got emotional during the sit-down and alleged that he is "fighting for his . Recording artist Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards accused R. Kelly of having sex with her 14-year-old niece at his 2008 trial. Genson pointed out that the girl is seen receiving money on the tape. 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! His response thus far has been that the tapes are fabricated and that he's been blackmailed. Trust me. 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. 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. Muskan Sharma is a law student at Calcutta University. Advancing the culture and building bridges. "I'm beyond pleased to finally hear the mountain I've tirelessly worked on moving over the. Stay tuned to Thirsty for more updates. He has pleaded not guilty. "I know my family. The video was of a man urinating on a little girl while she called him daddy. Her family also wouldnt be a witness for prosecutors, but things are different now. 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. 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. Absolutely NOT! It's so very sad.". Uh Oh! Whats The Deal With This R. Kelly Album That Dropped? 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!! Those suspicions were heightened after a now-infamous video, which shows Kelly intimately engaging. ", Sparkle wasn't the only witness to get emotional on the stand Thursday. Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as Jane in R. Kellys criminal trial, where he faces charges for child pornography. She's being exposed to the world. One of the disgraced singers former artists has stepped forward to defend herself in the ongoing R. Kelly trial. This ongoing R. Kelly trial has caused one of the disgraced singer's former artists to come forward to defend herself. Sparkle continued, This is another form of the terrible decision-making of her mom and in my opinion, the unfortunate continuing allegiance to Robert.. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! In "Surviving R. Kelly," Edwards discusses Kelly's behavior toward her while they worked together. Kids edition - Orlando And Sparkle. Following the allegations made in court, Sparkle took to social media to issue a video statement denying the claims. Of course Im in full unwavering support of them and their act of courage.. We want to hear from you! 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. But in 2001, when she actually witnessed the tape herself, she didn't hesitate to call. | Follow on Twitter: @BridgetEE and IG: @Bridgetee26, Source: MadameNoire.com/iOne Digital / MadameNoire. 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. As news of Janes testimony went public, Sparkle took to social media to refute the claims. Back in 2008, Kelly ended up being acquitted on charges of child pornography. While the witness is addressed in court as Jane, her story included identifying details, including that she is Sparkles niece. "We were thick as thieves," Sparkle said of the family's closeness before the meeting. 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. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. 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." I know them. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail. 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. 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. Sparkle thinks that allegiance to Robert still exists. In addition to child pornography, Kelly is facing state and federal charges of obstruction of justice, sexual assault and racketeering. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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. 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. "It's hurtful to my sister, to my brother-in-law and to my niece, especially, because it's all her. That's it.". Before Fame. Fast forwarding to now, R Kelly pretty much got a life sentence plus he still has more charges to face. "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 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. . 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. For full coverage of the ongoing R. Kelly case, see The R. Kelly Trial Reports. But after R. and I parted ways, it was me not watching over her. She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. She shared that she feels these are lies organized by her sister as a method of sabotage. She got . EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea Kelly & Lisa VA Have S E X Tape! 11 Songs. The woman who previously testified against Kelly in 2008 and was the one who brought the sex tapes to the victims parents knowledge says that she had the greatest of intentions when she spoke up against Kelly, but her life was made hell by the victims mother. Sparkle was horrified when she discovered that it was her niece at the center of Kelly's 2002 child pornography indictment. Will No Longer Be Pursuing These Indictments: Chicago Prosecutor Drops Sex-Abuse Charges Against Singer R. Kelly Months After Conviction. 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? Career. 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. #SomeoneWhoLovesMusicWayTooMuch 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. Ivie is a Nigerian-American, native New Yorker, and journalist covering, Report: R. Kellys Former Staffers Gave Feds 20 More Sex Tapes with Minors, R. Kelly Sentenced to 20 Years For Child Sex Crimes, R. Kelly Silenced Aaliyah & Her Family With Non-Disclosure Agreement After 1995 Marriage Annulment, Watch the Trailer For Surviving R. Kelly Part III: The Final Chapter. "But until our investigation is . Kelly would ultimately be acquitted on charges pertaining to the tape. Find a review of [article id="1587729"]the major players in the R. Kelly trial here[/article]. Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, a recording artist as well, was born on May 13, 1975. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. "You have no idea whether this was put together by someone trying to get money from Robert, do you?" 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.