R Kelly: Former DJ alleges two years of abusive behaviour by singer
R&B star has denied the new accusations
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Your support makes all the difference.R Kelly has been accused of physically and mentally abusing a former radio host over a two-year period where he allegedly controlled all elements of her life.
Kitti Jones was interviewed by Rolling Stone where she accused the artist of conducting an abusive relationship where he dictated everything from her clothing to when she was allowed to use the toilet.
50-year-old Kelly, born Robert Kelly, has categorically denied all of the allegations.
Jones said that after meeting the artist at a concert in her hometown of Dallas, she agreed to meet him again at the next show in his tour.
She claimed that when they met in a hotel room, he exposed himself and - without acknowledging her presence - masturbated in front of her.
“I'm thinking we're going to hug or peck each other,” she told Rolling Stone. “But he plopped down on the couch and pulled out his penis and started pleasuring himself.”
Jones said she tried to dismiss the incident and continued the relationship, eventually moving into Kelly's apartment and even appearing onstage with him during a show.
She alleged that he warned her about his relationships with other women before she moved in, saying: “I have friends and I have girls I've raised. I eventually want you to meet them, but I want to make sure you're mentally ready for that.”
Jones said she was unaware of what Kelly meant by “raised” at the time.
It was at this point that his behaviour allegedly became controlling and abusive. He reportedly told her to text him to ask for permission to use the bathroom, and she had to “stand up and greet daddy” when he entered a room.
She claimed he turned violent after she confronted him over the phone about accusations of child abuse images, which saw Kelly indicted on multiple charges in 2002 but found not guilty on 14 counts.
“He would start kicking me, telling me I was a stupid bitch [and] don't ever get in his business,” she said.
Jones said she eventually left in 2013 and, while Kelly did not react badly at the time, he allegedly attacked her again the next time they met.
Jones is the latest woman to accuse Kelly of abusive behaviour. Kelly has denied all accusations by five other women, and by Jones.
In July this year he was accused of holding women against their will in an abusive “cult”. A Buzzfeed report quoted several sets of concerned parents who claimed their daughters were being kept in properties rented by the R&B star.
Kelly's lawyer Linda Mensch said in a statement on behalf of Kelly at the time: “We can only wonder why folks would persist in defaming a great artist who loves his fans, works 24/7, and takes care of all of the people in his life.
“He works hard to become the best person and artist he can be. It is interesting that stories and tales debunked many years ago turn up when his goal is to stop the violence, put down the guns, and embrace peace and live. I suppose that is the price of fame. Like all of us, Mr. Kelly deserves a personal life. Please respect that.”
Below Jones is seen in a stage skit with R Kelly in 2012
The new allegations against Kelly may come under more scrutiny given the ongoing scandal in Hollywood over allegations of sexual harassment against Harvey Weinstein.
More than 60 women have accused the disgraced film mogul of various degrees of sexual misconduct, including assault, harassment, and rape. Weinstein denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.
The allegations have caused ripples around the entertainment industry. More and more women have come forward to share their experiences of sexual harassment, and several powerful figures in film, TV and fashion have been faced with accusations of inappropriate conduct.
Most recently, notorious fashion photographer Terry Richardson was “banned” from working with Vogue after being dogged for years by allegations of sexual misconduct. No charges have ever been filed against him.
An email allegedly sent by Conde Nast executive vice president James Woolhouse, reportedly asked why he was still being “feted by fashionistas”.