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. Sparkle has responded in a video (see below) to her nieces testimony: Absolutely NOT!! 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. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Her testimony sliced her family into factions, relegating her to years of . "He made her do [those sexual acts]," she said. According to . Here's Where to Find the Best Corned Beef in Cleveland! 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. Kellys trial is ongoing, with the sex tapes of other underaged victims set to be played for jurors. She writes for Thirsty for News, covering world news and entertainment. Sparkle first started singing in her family's gospel music group. 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. R. Kelly was later acquitted of all charges. By Kelly Butler. Our societys awareness and understanding of sexual assault has increased while Kellys funds have dwindled. While the survivors have now found justice, Sparkle said she still feels guilty for introducing her niece to Kelly in 1997. This ongoing R. Kelly trial has caused one of the disgraced singer's former artists to come forward to defend herself. One of the first witnesses to take the stand this week was Kellys victim that was featured on the original sex tape that leaked. "Hampton spoke to me and spoke to my management," Edwards continued. His first albums. (Several other people have also identified the girl and Kelly on the tape during testimony. "Anger? Kelly is now facing state and federal charges including sexual assault, obstruction of justice, child pornography, and racketeering. The Times. 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. ", Though it's causing division within her family, Sparkle said that she's aiding the Chicago police investigation. 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. It's so very sad.". advice and career trends - and MadameNoire provides all of that. Will No Longer Be Pursuing These Indictments: Chicago Prosecutor Drops Sex-Abuse Charges Against Singer R. Kelly Months After Conviction. 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. "I have an ex-manager that's been on my back," he said. Of course Im in full unwavering support of them and their act of courage.. 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.. We were very cordial.". Muskan Sharma is a law student at Calcutta University. Latest dancehall and hip hop news and music at your fingertips. Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as Jane in R. Kellys criminal trial, where he faces charges for child pornography. PredIQtion Markets. He has pleaded not guilty. She said she regretted bringing her niece to Kelly's studio and later his home -- "my mistake," Sparkle said. You may recall in the 2008 trial against Kelly, the girl in the tape along with her family members refused to testify against the singer. 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. | Follow on Twitter: @BridgetEE and IG: @Bridgetee26, Source: MadameNoire.com/iOne Digital / MadameNoire. Find a review of [article id="1587729"]the major players in the R. Kelly trial here[/article]. Recording artist Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards accused R. Kelly of having sex with her 14-year-old niece at his 2008 trial. 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. 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. Sparkle has since thanked "Surviving R. Kelly" producer Dream Hampton for once again bringing attention to the alleged crimes. The partnership between the two dissipated over creative differences, leading her to amicably ask for release from the label, according to MTV. 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. Fourteen witnesses had identified the girl in the video during the 20018 trial, but she and members of her family did not testify. She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. Sparkle, however, disputed the witness account after a social media user questioned her about it. So I feel a responsibility for that also, although I'm not responsible for his actions, I feel responsible for even taking her there. In her video, Sparkle read a statement from her phone and said, "Not all that you heard yesterday from my niece is true. One of the disgraced singer's former artists has stepped forward to defend herself in the ongoing R. Kelly trial. Sound it in the comments. In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost her the relationship with her family. Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. You cant stifle me. 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. 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. 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. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Although a jury acquitted R. Kelly,. All Rights Reserved, Follow Us on Snapchat for All Our Breaking News, Kelly was accused of abusing Sparkles niece, Offset and Quavo Spotted Sitting Apart at NBA Game Following Alleged GRAMMY Argument, Drake Wagers Half a Million Dollars on Jon Jones Victory at UFC 285, Soulja Boy Performs In Front Of Seemingly Low-Energy Crowd At Rolling Loud. Flavor Of Love Reality Star Deelishis' Niece Reportedly Killed in Mass Shooting; Baddies West Season 3 Fights: Stunna Girl vs. Everybody; 50 Cent Inks Non-Exclusive Broadcast Deal With Fox; Cardi B & Offset Meal Launches at McDonald's on Valentine's Day; Leilani Capalot - T Shirt Music Video & BTS | Video Zone To what degree, singer, Sparkle's niece, is cooperating with authorities is still not official. 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. Last week, Kellywas arrested for an additional 13 counts of federal sex trafficking and child pornography charges. Music Videos. 1 on iTunes. 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. As you can imagine, all this drama derailed Sparkle's career. 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. "It's crazy and torn up, in every way imaginable," she said. 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. Jurors and observers heard the gory details from the 14-year-old, who disclosed that the singer began grooming the 14-year-old victim and began having sex with her at just 15 years old when Kelly was around 30 years old. "She's my niece. Its no secret the original R Kelly having relations with a minor (allegedly) video was all over the streets on VHS. Things heated up when Genson accused her of being in on a scheme to either use the tape to extort Kelly or to make money by mass-producing it. If convicted, Kelly would face the maximum of 195 years in prison. All Rights Reserved. Nope, Sparkle didn't take a payout meanwhile R sending them on trips and paying for their houses. Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. I went at it alone. BridgetEE: A Music and Entertainment blogger/ Historian / Global Grind Freelance Writer Mar. "She's doing exactly what he told her to do. 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. 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. Sparkle stated that her niece was "doing the will of her mom," who she says has allegiance to R. Kelly. It's sickening. We were tight, tight, tight." An exchange between two ex-lovers? There's no denying it. 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. Close Menu. Though praising her niece for finally cooperating with prosecutors, the singer says that she is at the center of a . Bossip Comment Policy 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. For full coverage of R. Kelly, see "The R. Kelly Reports.". 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. Profession: Singer. Im not that girl. TikTok video from Samke Ndlovu INdlovu (@samkeindlovukaz): "#Aunty and Niece Challenge ". Her family also wouldnt be a witness for prosecutors, but things are different now. According to reports, Sparkle was allegedly suggested by the niece. Kelly got emotional during the sit-down and alleged that he is "fighting for his . Stephanie Edwards (born May 13, 1975), better known by her stage name Sparkle, is an American R&B singer. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]. 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. 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. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. Trust me.". 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. The girl I knew was always bubbly, but she seems like a robot in that video. Trust me. Source: Chicago Tribune / Getty Earlier this week, the disgraced singer and his legal team appeared in a Chicago court, where Kelly faces several criminal charges. Sparkle was horrified when she discovered that it was her niece at the center of Kelly's 2002 child pornography indictment. In the recent federal indictment, he was accused of paying off the girl and her family so they would lie for him and not cooperate with investigators. But in 2001, when she actually witnessed the tape herself, she didn't hesitate to call. 8771 1829 linktr.ee/sparklelivemusic Posts Reels Tagged Show More Posts from sparklelivemusic I cant help the lies told on me & under oath at all & cause ya momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify I wish they were backing [me] when I was coming up and had a story to tell, but nobody believed. 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. 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? I also did not want that person to be me, Jane testified. Sparkle continued, This is another form of the terrible decision-making of her mom and in my opinion, the unfortunate continuing allegiance to Robert.. 5 Infamous Murder Cases Involving Athletes, Deadly Day for Rappers XXXTentacion and Wopo. In 2001, the singer Sparkle (seen above in the 2019 Lifetime series Surviving R Kelly), whose real name is Stephanie Edwards, went public with allegations that R Kelly sexually assaulted her niece . We talked about business. I was ashamed.. Sparkle is best known for her 1998 R&B debut hit single 'Be Careful '. "Sparkle" featured a duet with Kelly, titled "Be Careful.". 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. 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!! ", Sparkle said that she regrets not being a better protector of her niece. "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 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. Shortly after the tape was released, the woman's aunt - 1990s R&B singer Sparkle - came forward and blasted her former mentor R Kelly. But after the meeting, "There was one side and another side," she said. Sparkle testified that she then called a family meeting so her other relatives could see the tape for themselves. 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. Are you the aunt who had that child rub R. Kellys head? Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldnt be more thrilled about it. 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. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. At the time, Sparkle was largely ignored by the media. But after R. and I parted ways, it was me not watching over her. 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. EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea Kelly & Lisa VA Have S E X Tape! A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). Sparkles niece recently confronted something against her aunt and as a result, Sparkle claimed that her niece had lied about her. 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. Fast forwarding to now, R Kelly pretty much got a life sentence plus he still has more charges to face. The decision, many believe, ultimately resulted in the jury acquitting the singer. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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. Among things hes already been convicted of, prosecutors accuse him of abusing young girls for decades and filming their encounters. 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.

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