Everybody must be lying except R. Kelly.
For you to support R. Kelly, that is what you must believe. Otherwise it’s difficult to reconcile supporting the singer/songwriter on any level, artistic or otherwise. We can have the shallow and rehashed debate of separating the artist from his/her artistry, but to do so is to deny the alleged yet systemic underlying criminal behavior in this particular case. If I am of the minority opinion that dangerous criminal behavior always supersedes artistic brilliance, so be it. I sleep well nightly.
Along those lines, for the expanse of Kelly’s career there has been a documented pattern and pathology, one allegedly connected with pedophilia.
If you are indifferent to the treatment of girls and women, stop reading now and retire with my opening sentence.
“Everybody must be lying except R. Kelly.”
This week, Kelly’s former manager Jeff Kwatinetz filed suit against the singer/songwriter, alleging that a million dollars owed to him was instead used to pay off multiple, underage accusers related to statutory sexual misconduct.
Everybody, including the former manager must be lying, except for R. Kelly.
Last month, Kelly’s former personal assistant and road manager Demetrius Smith released the book, Man Behind the Man, which chronicles among other things, Kelly’s marriage to then-15-year-old Aaliyah and other relationships with numerous underage girls.
Something tells me that Jeff Kwatinetz has a forthcoming subpoena with Smith’s name on it.
Everybody, including the former manager and road manager must be lying, except for R. Kelly…right?
Another one of Kelly’s managers, George Daniels and wife/publicist Regina Daniels simultaneously walked out of R. Kelly’s life after it was revealed that Kelly had “courted” their then-underage daughter.
He (Kelly) denied it. He lied to me to my face. The reason that I’m talking abut this, it’s not just for me, it’s not for my wife, it’s not for my daughter (Maxine), but it’s for the public. It’s for other fathers and mothers because it doesn’t have to be a superstar, it could be the dude on the corner. There are guys who sit around and give your child a couple of bucks to go to school and then wait until they get a little older, then they set that trap. See, so I’m doing this really for everyone.”
George Daniels on 102.3 KJLH Radio – Feb. 2008
Something tells me that Jeff Kwatinetz has two more subpoenas with the Daniels names on them.
Everybody, including two former managers, road manager and his publicist must be lying…because that’s the only way R. Kelly isn’t rightfully treated as a sexual predator of the worst kind. The pedophilia, its pattern and pathology are being corroborated by multiple sources via public statements, books and now a lawsuit. These aren’t anonymous sources of vague connection or questionable association to Kelly. They are reputable, separate and unrelated confidantes who have worked with and by the side of Kelly for the better part of his career.
Yes, everybody must be lying except R. Kelly. That must be the case. It’s the only reasonable explanation for why he’s received such a free pass.
Kelly supporters will be quick to cite the fact that he was found not guilty of child pornography charges almost three years ago to the day. This is the legalese Jedi mind trick that some use to deflect from the obvious. The “not guilty” verdict of 2008 only spoke to one videotape of one girl on one given occasion. In no way did the verdict serve as a blank check to cover the fullness of Kelly’s behavior.
R. Kelly may have been found “not guilty,” but he sure as hell is not innocent.
If the Bishop Eddie Long saga taught us anything, it’s that truly innocent men don’t pay people off to avoid prosecution or embarrassment due to sexual behavior. Jeff Kwatinetz is clear on this distinction and has gone on the record in the form of a lawsuit to make sure the rest of us are clear too.
Curiously enough, one of Kelly’s supporters as of late has been media personality Tavis Smiley, whose book imprint SmileyBooks is publishing Kelly’s forthcoming memoir Soulacoaster.
(Full disclosure: I worked for Smiley from 2005-2010)
We are thrilled to be the conduit through which R. Kelly will tell his own story,” said Tavis Smiley, founder and publisher of SmileyBooks. “He has earned the right to tell his story his own way.”
Tavis Smiley – SmileyBooks press release December, 2009
Actually, R. Kelly didn’t “earn” anything. A book deal is a privilege, as are Smiley’s television and radio properties. Nevertheless, the personal endorsement says volumes.
Then, here in 2011…
I’m suggesting to you if you think that the way we treat women in this country, with patriarchy still alive and well, sexism still alive and well, is determinative or demonstrative of how well our democracy runs, I think you don’t understand how maltreated women are still in this society. That’s all I’m saying.”
Smiley went further…
I don’t think there is a worser (sic) version of sexism. It’s either right or it’s wrong, it’s acceptable or it’s unacceptable. You’re trying to shade this thing Bill.”
Tavis Smiley – HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher – Feb. 2011
Full video of exchange HERE.
Nothing says “patriarchy” and “sexism” quite like one man singing the praises (pun intended) of the male, oft-alleged sexual predator.
Being “thrilled” at the prospect of profiting from R. Kelly is curious given the well-documented history. Patriarchy and sexism go beyond the obvious actions of the offenders. It also involves who we passively support, what we consciously uplift and the public justifications of both.
If patriarchy and sexism were crimes, then complicity in either would make one an accessory.
Smiley publishing R. Kelly’s memoir while simultaneously criticizing the treatment of women in America is akin to publishing and profiting from the biography of former BART officer Johannes Mehserle, while decrying police brutality and the murder of Oscar Grant.
Advocacy requires consistency…and dare I say…
Wait for it…
Accountability.
If Smiley is truly of the mind that women are maltreated in this society, providing a platform for R. Kelly (and profit stream for himself) is not only confusing, it’s a strong indictment of everything in which Smiley’s advocacy is purportedly based.
(Sexism) It’s either right or it’s wrong, it’s acceptable or it’s unacceptable.
Let’s not try to shade this thing.
It is more than slightly problematic, reconciling the idea of a youth foundation and a widely-alleged pedophile under the same banner and brand. Who knows, maybe Roman Polanski’s schedule was full and Woody Allen was on vacation; let’s not jump to conclusions. We don’t know all the details and back story.
But of course…everybody is lying except for R. Kelly, so it’s all good…right?
I get it, really I do. Make that paper, playa.
Sometimes, principles get in the way of profit. Or vice-versa, depending on how married one is to one’s principles. I suspect nobody begrudges Smiley’s desire to make an honest buck, just the lack of intellectual honesty in making that same buck.
Reveling in signing R. Kelly to a book deal on Monday and demonizing America’s historical mistreatment of women on Tuesday would give any dues-paying member of the Common Sense Association of America pause. Justifying their compatibility on Wednesday is not only insulting to our intelligence, come Thursday it calls into question the authenticity of Smiley’s historical advocacy.
There is nothing inherently unethical per se about publishing Kelly’s memoir. Social pariahs have had books published for eons. But as long as Smiley is in the business of lecturing the masses on the ills of patriarchy and sexism in America; it’s more than a bit questionable.
Smiley should pick one side of the road and stay there, driving soberly, safely and remaining in his lane.
Smiley is likely aware of this glaring contradiction on some level. As of this writing, Kelly is not mentioned as a SmileyBooks author and Soulacoaster is not listed as “coming soon” title on the company’s website. In fact the link to the original press release is no longer active.
http://www.tavistalks.com/sites/www.tavistalks.com/files/RKelly_PR120809.pdf
Coincidence…I think not…
(A copy of the release in its entirety can be found HERE)
Nevertheless, the R. Kelly memoir is still slated for sale, November 1. It would seem that all principles come with a price tag. It’s backpedaling for sure, but only for the sake of minimizing public criticism, not a private epiphany of right and wrong. It’s either right or it’s wrong, it’s acceptable or it’s unacceptable. Let’s not try to shade this thing. Website and press release removal are clear examples of “shading.”
Everybody must be lying except for R. Kelly. That said, you can read Kelly’s “truth” for $25.95; coming soon to Amazon.com and other fine retailers.
There are soundbites and then there is sincerity. Do not confuse the two. Smiley is loathe to publicly acknowledge certain realities, such as when viewing a person head-on, it is easy to see when words emanate from both sides of his/her mouth.
If we as a country are truly about the business of changing the way women, especially women of color are treated, then we should not ever uplift those who are directly connected to their mistreatment. Respecting women requires more than televised fiery oratory and cool, catchy slogans on “leadership.”
It requires sincerity, consistency and authenticity. Sexism is either right or it’s wrong. If it’s the latter, then it’s also wrong to sell it for a profit.
The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published at The Huffington Post and EURWEB.com. For the most recent posts of Mr. Mo’Kelly, visit https://mrmokelly.com. Mr. Mo’Kelly can be reached: [email protected].
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25 responses to “The Lies of R. Kelly (and His ‘Truth’ for $25.95)”
Face it, you’re obsessed with R. Kelly.
Yeah, you got me. I’m obsessed with R. Kelly… one editorial and one post linking to a TMZ story in the past 3 years, if not more.
I remember reading in the Chicago Tribune that the jury in the sex tape trial was 99% sure it was him on the tape and really wanted to convict him but none of the girls would testify it was them. To me, that means GUILTY! His wife divorced him and now, lo and behold he’s getting sued for misappropriating monies to pay off young girls to keep quiet. GUILTY! It sickens me to read how people, especially women, are so excited to pay their hard-earned money to see him in concert. And he’s laughing at those fools all the way to the bank. I wonder if they’d be so supportive if he did that to somebody they knew and loved. But he won’t be enriched by me because I think he ain’t learned nothing and is still preying on young girls, with the help of his enablers, just like before.
“I think he ain’t learned nothing”
Wow, lmao.
By the way, it wasn’t 99% of the jury. Half of them felt it was him in the tape and the other half didn’t. If you followed the case you’d know that the MAIN issue was figuring out whether the female in the tape was underage or not.
R. Kelly and his ex-wife divorcing has nothing to do with the case and the ex-wife has echoed this.
and how pathetic that you would pander on why people still like R. Kelly. You sound like a low-life. Kinda like the writer of this extensive article on someone they obviously despise. Again, pathetic.
Oh and REBECCA ABDULLAH of Dallas, TX ( aka “POS”)…I think you should read the MKR Penal Code on the site. Namecalling (especially of site host) is not tolerated.
The only reason I allow your comment to stay is that I need it as a constant reminder that you do not visit this site anonymously (as mentioned in the MKR Penal Code).
It is fine to disagree, it is not acceptable to lay into other people on a personal level who post here…REBECCA ABDULLAH of DALLAS, TX.
Please keep that in mind (everyone) going forward.
LOL at the writer thinking R. Kelly is going to write about his “truth” in his upcoming book. It’s not clever to ASSume. He has never stated that this upcoming book has anything to do with the case. From what I’ve heard the book will be based on his life growing up, being a husband and working with other artists.
and getting on Tavis Smiley for supporting R. Kelly’s book? Who are you? You are a nobody so why are you writing extensive articles about how “morally deficient” Tavis is for supporting R. Kelly’s upcoming book? Perhaps he read the book already and felt that it’s not just a good profit but also insightful.
Either way you seem hard-headed and seem to have deep seated issues with R. Kelly. Perhaps you’re a former fan, I don’t know but I’m sure your response to me will be just like your biased article.
Good day.
Yes it is a biased article…that is why it is called an editorial. If you notice, the word “truth” was in quotations in the title. Do you not know what that means? Breathe, better formulate your critique and try again…here all day.
Mo, for the first time since I have been following you (I could be wrong) you are bringing some well-deserved criticism of your former employer “Tavis Smiley”. Bravo!!! Let me be clear, I’m not a hater of Tavis, but he has said/done some questionable things ever since Barack Obama came on the scene. That seemed to be the turning point for him. This is just my opinion, (I still respect his intellect and his voice but now I now view/observe with a jaded consciousness. I will say this… “Money is the great seducer”.)
Now to your post, I totally agree. It has always been my contention that a lot of people were paid for their silence, and as you say according to Kelly there is only 1 truth-sayer…R Kelly, I think not!!
Thank you for the kind words Gua. I won’t comment about Tavis beyond what I’ve already said in the piece. It’s not about him personally, it’s about his public and professional stances and statements which fly directly in the face of publishing R. Kelly’s memoir.
I do agree though that money is the great seducer.
My greatest concern (and you know this as you’re familiar with the depth of my writing) is that we make too many concessions for behavior simply because he or she has exceptional talent elsewhere.
Let’s be clear. The value of any R. Kelly memoir is inextricably linked to the story related to Aaliyah (a 15-year old), child pornography charges and trial and other closely-associated themes. A thousand books have been written about music stars and their paths to success. The hook of ANY R. Kelly book (authorized or unauthorized accounts of his life/career) is tied to pedophilia…period.
Have R. Kelly announce he’s writing his memoir and acknowledge that there will be no mention of the pedophilia allegations/situations in it and see what happens. Not only would he be pressed to find a publisher, he would be pressed to find eventual consumers to buy it even if he found a publisher.
Let’s collectively not be naive.
Randomhouse publishing the memoir is one thing. Its mission is not advocacy-driven but sales-driven. A social advocate, concerned with the supposed maltreatment of women and more specifically women of color is something altogether different.
Such a contradiction must be highlighted. Otherwise I’m not doing what the Lord put me here to do.
Amen!!!
Any female: wife, mother, or other, should have “deep seated” issues with Robert Sylvester, child molester, Kelly. The defenders of Kelly have always amazed me. Me: He married Aliyah when she was FIFTEEN. Defender: They weren’t “really” married. Anyone with their eyes open and half a brain can see that this GROWN MAN prefers to illicit sex from under-aged girls. In our society that’s called PEDOPHILIA. Why do people (especially women) sugar coat this? We (because I am a woman) should be up in arms against this fool instead of dancing to his latest record. WTH?!?!? I don’t get it. I never have. I have a 17 year old. RSK has been banned in my house since she was 13. As a matter of fact, the publishing of this editorial is cause enough to revisit the issue with my daughter to be sure she understands the magnitude of misogyny and sexism in our country and more specifically the black community. Thank you, Mo, as always for your well written words, your candor and your call for accountability.
Thank you Nola. You get it.
Well said, Noladarling. It’s a sad shame that so many people, ESPECIALLY women, support this….. Pied Piper. Sad & despicable.
Well stated, Mr.MoKelly. Ignore the woman haters & pedophile supporters.
MoKellz,
I just came over here from another blog which posted this piece and as you know, Smiley’s people are posting, posing as random readers trying to tear you down at thyblackman.com
I noticed they aren’t doing it over here as you obviously have this space on lock. There won’t be any of that foolishness over here.
But what nobody seems to have picked up on is that you touched a nerve. There needs to be a public discussion as to why R. Kelly and T. Smiley are doing business together. It makes me wonder whether there isn’t some sort of shared interest in common.
Here you are sticking up for women, children and his employees come after YOU!
Clearly, Travis (yes I said TRAVIS) has something to hide. He was all up in Obama’s backside trying to hold him accountable (that’s what he called it) and the moment someone tries to hold HIM accountable, there’s a problem.
There are not two sides to this debate.
Either you are against pedophilia or you support it through selling books. There is no in between.
MoKelly has chosen the side to respect and protect children and women. Travis has chosen to sell a book of a pedophile. What is there to debate?
Do you Mr. MoKelly. I support you.
One more thing. How cowardly is it for him to remove all mention of R. Kelly from his website and have his employees come after you.
That’s childish.
If he was man enough to sign the book deal, he should be man enough to stand behind it, despite the criticism.
What a phoney!
I love the MoKelly Report!
Thank you Truth.
Don’t worry about the disinformation tactics. Understand I know that playbook very well. When the truth and facts are on your side, you don’t have to say much of anything.
I made a very concise and clear argument as to R. Kelly’s predilections. Any response other than one addressing these realities are transparent and unimportant.
Once upon a time Smiley told me the following:
“Truthtellers tend to be offensive and controversial.”
Given their level of offense at this piece…it is abundantly clear there’s plenty of truth here. I am unmoved. I appreciate the direction and professional growth during my time with Smiley. But right is right and wrong is wrong.
I will sleep like a baby tonight.
Mo,
I’ve followed your work for years but rarely commented. I didn’t even know you worked for Smiley. In fact, I privately wondered why you didn’t go in on him when you had the opportunity and in my mind he deserved it over the years.
This is aside from the fact that I’ve long heard how he treats people, the yelling and screaming and calling them out of their name, employees or just regular folk.
You never said anything unkind publicly about the man, not once. I held that against you originally, but now I better see.
As a journalist you are supposed to fully disclose when you are tied to a piece and you did just that when talking about R. Kelly and Smiley’s connection to him. It was absolutely the right thing to do, complete transparency. In return, he asked his employees to fake post to discredit you and say nothing about the real issues of pedophilia and publishing books to profit off of it.
I know this is long but it has to be said. I read the comments over at
http://thyblackman.com/2011/06/22/mokelly-the-lies-of-r-kelly-and-his-%E2%80%98truth%E2%80%99-for-25-95/
and I was taken back. You conducted yourself with absolute class and your former boss clearly has none, none at all.
But then again, if you’re willing to celebrate publishing R. Kelly’s biography, class is probably not something you have. Tavis Smiley is showing his true colors (again) and bringing more attention to himself in trying to deflect it away.
Good for you Mo. Obviously the Lord removed you from that situation because it was inconsistent with who you are and what you are about and what He has for you. It is ungodly to support R. Kelly and you telling the truth has obviously shamed the devil.
Mo’Kelly, your piece was way too long.
You should have titled it “Tavis Smiley in bed with pedophile R. Kelly” and linked to Amazon.com and left it at that.
Because at the end of it all, that is what it is. That is the headline you should have used. Tavis should have let everyone just talk about R. Kelly instead of trying to make it about you and him.
That was real dumb.
It’s all good. I appreciate all of your collective support. The facts speak for themselves and are inarguable. In fact, none of the facts have been disputed in any way. Let’s remember that friends. It’s hard to say you’re for women’s rights and also for R. Kelly to help pad your bottom line.
I mean you can do it, just don’t get mad at me when I bring attention to the contradiction.
The funny thing is I’ve moved on (see the subsequent blog posts on my site) and some other people who shall remain nameless are still clearly bent. They just keep bringing more attention to it.
Lawman, you seem to be right.
This editorial could have been in the business section of a magazine. It perfectly demonstrates the critical nature of making sure that collaborations between two brands are based not only on success, but most importantly, shared values. If you value women, how can you partner with someone that has such “questionable” relationships with them? Whether you should or shouldn’t is one question, but an even more important question is what does that say about what you really value? Good stuff Mo’.
Wow Nicole! You nailed it!
“If you value women, how can you partner with someone that has such “questionable” relationships with them? Whether you should or shouldn’t is one question, but an even more important question is what does that say about what you really value?”
It will be a cold day in hell before that question is answered directly, if at all.
I was aware that you worked for Smiley, as you’ve always made that clear when he’s brought up here. I didn’t know until this post that you were no longer working for him.
I suppose the Kelly/Smiley alliance is to be expected, as both of them seem ready, willing and able to hop into bed with just about anybody – Kelly with underage girls & Smiley with any corporation needing an image boost (Walmart, Exxon, Wells Fargo & other predatory sugar daddies).
As for the ghost written celebrity memoirs, I can do without that garbage. It’s the literary version of someone ordering take-out, putting it on a plate & taking credit for cooking.
As the mother of a now adult daughter who was a teenager at the time Kelly was on trial, I lost all respect for him and anything emanating out of him. When are we going to take pedophilia seriously in the country? There was an absolute uproar about Catholic priests molesting people, but black people actually support Long and Kelly? Is it because the victims are Black?
Mo, I wish there was a Common Sense Society of America, but if there was, it would have a hard time finding members. I so agree with you and Nicole. Sad.
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[…] Mo’Kelly, a 43-year-old graduate of Georgetown University who grew up in South Los Angeles, has used his KTLK-AM 1150 radio show, “Mo’Kelly in the Morning,” to comment and opine about the social and political activities of just about every Black person in the local and national news, including Smiley and West. And he has blogged his opinions about everything, including the pair’s motives, on his Mo’Kelly Report column which appears on various websites.” Full Story HERE! Related: The Lies of R. Kelly (and His ‘Truth’) for 25.95 […]