Advancing the culture and building bridges. "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said during the emotional trial, according to MTV. I wish they were backing [me] when I was coming up and had a story to tell, but nobody believed. 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. 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. Photo Credit: Gary Miller for Getty Images). 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. 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's a prostitute!" Sparkle also heard the news of her niece's testimony and took to Instagram to discuss the allegations. 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. 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. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places. Last week in court R. Kellys original case, Sparkles niece at 30 plus years took the stand to testify. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. Sparkle has always admitted to introducing her then-12-year-old niece to Kelly, a decision she has said she's haunted by. Fourteen witnesses had identified the girl in the video during the 20018 trial, but she and members of her family did not testify. While the witness is addressed in court as Jane, her story included identifying details, including that she is Sparkles niece. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. 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. I believe that [the police] have a lot that they are actually going to bring to light.". What, exactly, is the relationship between Kelly and Sparkle, and what are the claims being made against the infamous artist? Sparkle said in disgust. You cant stifle me. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Trivia The decades-long crusade cost the 46-year-old her closest relationships and stifled her own music career. Creator of Bridget EEs Bloghouse, a A Place Where Real Music Is Previewed and Reviewed. Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as Jane in R. Kellys criminal trial, where he faces charges for child pornography. 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. We were still cool." As news of Janes testimony went public, Sparkle took to social media to refute the claims. Sparkle added that she and Kelly were never romantically involved as painted by the victim. In @nytimes Feat. 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. 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. If you are in your 40s you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). Bossip Comment Policy 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. In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. Sparkle, however, disputed the witness account after a social media user questioned her about it. Sparkle's age is 47. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girls family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. I've been blackmailed for the last four years, and I didn't give in, and I'm still not gonna give in. 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. She also attested to having sexual encounters with the singer hundreds of times since the age of 14. Stay tuned to Thirsty for more updates. 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. Sparkle thinks that allegiance to Robert still exists. R. Kelly's former protg Stephanie Edwards, who recorded under the name Sparkle, also spoke on the verdict. Who, do you believe, is lying? "But there are others that haven't been spoken of that have been possibly paid off. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. TikTok video from Samke Ndlovu INdlovu (@samkeindlovukaz): "#Aunty and Niece Challenge ". 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. Im not that girl. She was my heart.". We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Her family would rather keep the matter quiet, she said, even if that means protecting an alleged predator. Sparkle has openly confronted the fact that her niece has lied about her in court. 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! There's no denying it,' she says on the stand. But after the meeting, "There was one side and another side," she said. seek information on a wide variety of topics including African-American hair care, health issues, relationship 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. Celebrate (From "Sparkle") Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks. 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. I know them. 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. Anyway, this tape leaked and Sparkle recognised it to be her niece, other people did too and that's when R Kelly facing his trial of raping a minor, filming it etc was in courts (that tape being the one he peed on her). 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Apple Music Film, TV & Stage. Whats your take on it? But let me chill. Look Inside The DA.I.S.Y. "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]. But after R. and I parted ways, it was me not watching over her. 3 min read Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as "Jane" in R.. Its impact cannot be overstated and a month later, Kelly was facing new charges in Chicago. A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). ", Though it's causing division within her family, Sparkle said that she's aiding the Chicago police investigation. Years ago, Kelly was accused of abusing Sparkles niece, but during Kellys current trial, the niece claimed that Sparkle encouraged the interactions. One of the first witnesses to take the stand this week was Kellys victim that was featured on the original sex tape that leaked. 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. [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. One of the disgraced singers former artists has stepped forward to defend herself in the ongoing R. Kelly trial. 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. It's sickening. Genson accused Sparkle of being bitter and characterized the end of her working relationship with Kelly as a firing. 6 2019, Updated 5:51 a.m. 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].. Since the news of her niece's cooperation has been made public, Sparkle says she is thrilled. Stephanie Edwards made a statement to the New York Times: Black women Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. 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. Recording artist Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards accused R. Kelly of having sex with her 14-year-old niece at his 2008 trial. 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 . Home. "There have been a couple that have come to light that have settled out of court, so that they would not go to criminal court," Sparkle said, referring to Kelly's settlements with Tracy Sampson and Tiffany Hawkins. 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. "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. 8771 1829 linktr.ee/sparklelivemusic Posts Reels Tagged Show More Posts from sparklelivemusic Singer Sparkle found herself in the middle of R. Kellys federal child pornography trial. Will No Longer Be Pursuing These Indictments: Chicago Prosecutor Drops Sex-Abuse Charges Against Singer R. Kelly Months After Conviction. About. 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. Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. ", Genson then made a comment about the girl on the tape looking like a willing participant. 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 decision, many believe, ultimately resulted in the jury acquitting the singer. Kelly faces 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. 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.. As of today, they're still investigating the situation. which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. "I know my family. "It's crazy and torn up, in every way imaginable," she said. In addition to child pornography, Kelly is facing state and federal charges of obstruction of justice, sexual assault and racketeering. According to THE CUT Sparkle, whose real name is Stephanie Edwards, has been trying to convince the world that Kelly sexually abused her teenage niece. Earlier this week, the disgraced singer and his legal team appeared in a Chicago court, where Kelly faces several criminal charges. This decades-long history of abuse was documented through witness and survivor testimony in the dream hampton produced documentary Surviving R. Kelly which aired on Lifetime this past January. Sign up to receive The Atlanta Black Star Newsletter in your inbox. The prosecution has not responded to the claim. His first albums. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. 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. 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. In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost. Sparkle Net Worth: Sparkle is an American R&B singer who has a net worth of $600 thousand. 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. In court, Sparkles now-37-year-old victim niece told the court R Kelly starting having sex with her when she was only 14, claiming they had sex hundreds of times before she turned 18. "Hampton spoke to me and spoke to my management," Edwards continued. Kelly is now facing state and federal charges including sexual assault, obstruction of justice, child pornography, and racketeering. 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 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. Sparkle went on to sign with Motown Records and released a second album, titled "Told You So," in 2000. R. Kelly was later acquitted of all charges. 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. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. The Times reports, her lawyer says she is now cooperating with authorities. 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. 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 now 37-year-old woman who is identified only as "Jane," told jurors that she was first introduced to R. Kelly by her aunt Sparkle in the mid-1990s when she was 13 years old. 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. Uh Oh! 5 Infamous Murder Cases Involving Athletes, Deadly Day for Rappers XXXTentacion and Wopo. Trust me.". 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. It's messed up. What do you think about the matter? For years, Sparkle has made claims about Kelly allegedly abusing her niece . Sparkle has since thanked "Surviving R. Kelly" producer Dream Hampton for once again bringing attention to the alleged crimes. Kelly has been charged with multiple sex crimes involving four women, three of whom were underage at the time of the alleged encounters. Heres Why. People are trying to make money off my music and my name in a very, very negative way. His response thus far has been that the tapes are fabricated and that he's been blackmailed. 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. 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. Close Menu. "But until our investigation is . Sparkle replied with a strong denial. 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. Activity. Kelly got emotional during the sit-down and alleged that he is "fighting for his . Sparkle testified against Kelly in 2008 but, as we all know, he was found not guilty. 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. She added that there is a family feud, and the victims testimony is a clear plan to try to take her down.. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! 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. 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 . Genson suggested that Sparkle next tried to conspire with former Kelly manager Barry Hankerson "about doing something bad to Robert. Her family also wouldnt be a witness for prosecutors, but things are different now. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. When she watched the recording, she said, she recognized her niece, "You know your blood," Sparkle said. 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. On Friday, Sparkle took to social media to denounce some of the claims made by her niece on the stand. Prosecutors are pushing for another conviction on those charges to add to R. Kelly being sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering by a New York jury last month. Blog. At the time, Sparkle was largely ignored by the media. I know them. He has pleaded not guilty. "You couldn't break the chain with us. At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. 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. 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. (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.) "She's doing exactly what he told her to do. Among the issues covered in the investigatory program were allegations made by a former Kelly protege, Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards.