Major Controversies Surrounding R. Kelly: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around R. Kelly—discover key moments of controversy.

Robert Sylvester Kelly, known as R. Kelly, was a highly successful American singer, songwriter, and record producer in R&B, hip hop, and pop music. Once dubbed the "King of R&B," his career ended due to his arrest in 2019. He was convicted on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges, stemming from the sexual abuse of minors. These convictions effectively ended his music career and tarnished his legacy.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1991: First allegations of sexual abuse emerge

In 1991, Tiffany Hawkins alleged that, starting that year when she was age 15, Kelly, aged 24, had sexual relations with her and encouraged her to entice underaged friends.

1996: Faces civil suits and criminal trials

Starting in 1996, Kelly faced multiple civil suits and criminal trials when Tiffany Hawkins alleged that Kelly had sexual relations with her and encouraged her to entice underaged friends.

August 2000: Chicago Sun-Times begins investigation

In August 2000, The Chicago Sun-Times began a long-term investigation into R. Kelly, regarding repeated accusations of sexual abuse.

February 8, 2002: Performance at Winter Olympics

On February 8, 2002, R. Kelly performed at the opening ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics, amidst a sex tape scandal.

2002: Prosecuted on child pornography charges

In 2002, R. Kelly was prosecuted on child pornography charges following leaked video recordings.

October 29, 2004: Pepper Spray Incident and Tour Removal

On October 29, 2004, R. Kelly was pepper sprayed by a member of Jay-Z's entourage, leading to his removal from the tour.

September 2005: Andrea Kelly files restraining order

In September 2005, Andrea Kelly filed a restraining order against R. Kelly after a physical altercation.

2005: Extortion attempt related to sex tape

In 2005, a Chicago man was charged for attempting to extort Deleon Richards' husband, Gary Sheffield, by allegedly threatening to release a sex tape of Richards with an ex-boyfriend, reportedly Kelly.

January 2006: Man sentenced for extortion attempt

In January 2006, a man was sentenced to 27 months in prison for attempting to extort Gary Sheffield by threatening to release a sex tape of his wife, Deleon Richards, with an ex-boyfriend, reportedly Kelly.

December 2007: Court Hearing Absence Due to Tour Bus Delay

In December 2007, R. Kelly failed to appear at a preliminary court hearing due to his tour bus being held up in Utah, leading to a threat to revoke his bond, which was ultimately not carried out.

2008: Release of "I'm a Beast"

In 2008, R. Kelly released a rap track titled "I'm a Beast" in which he coarsely attacked his detractors.

2008: Acquitted on child pornography charges

In 2008, R. Kelly was acquitted on all charges, following a controversial trial that started in 2002, regarding leaked video recordings that led to child pornography charges.

2008: Acquittal on all charges

In 2008, R. Kelly was acquitted on all child pornography charges in a controversial trial.

July 23, 2018: "I Admit" Release on SoundCloud

On July 23, 2018, R. Kelly released the 19-minute-long "I Admit" on SoundCloud as a response to his accusers, denying allegations of domestic violence and pedophilia.

2018: Accusations of sexual abuse

In 2018, Kelly faced repeated accusations of sexual abuse for incidents dating from 1991 to 2018.

2019: R. Kelly's career ends following arrest

In 2019, R. Kelly's career ended following his arrest and subsequent convictions on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges involving sexual abuse of minors.

2019: Renewed Investigations and Arrest

In 2019, following the documentary Surviving R. Kelly, renewed interest in allegations led to additional investigations and R. Kelly's arrest.

2019: RCA Records terminates Kelly's contract

In 2019, the documentary Surviving R. Kelly reexamined Kelly's alleged sexual misconduct with minors, prompting RCA Records to terminate his contract and resulting in additional investigations by law enforcement.

2019: "Do What U Want" Removal From Streaming Services

In early 2019, "Do What U Want" had since been removed from streaming services and re-releases of Gaga's Artpop album following sexual misconduct allegations against R. Kelly.

2019: Allegations of abuse

In later years, including in Surviving R. Kelly (2019), Andrea Kelly accused R. Kelly of physical, verbal, and mental abuse.

September 30, 2021: Key to Baton Rouge rescinded

On September 30, 2021, following his New York conviction of multiple sex crimes, the key to the city of Baton Rouge, previously given in 2013, was rescinded.

2021: Conviction for violations of the Mann Act and RICO Act

In 2021, R. Kelly faced conviction for violations of the Mann Act and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

2021: Conviction on Multiple Charges

In 2021, R. Kelly was convicted on multiple charges involving child sexual abuse.

2021: The Recording Academy declines to strip Kelly of awards

In 2021, following R. Kelly's federal conviction in New York, The Recording Academy stated that they wouldn't strip Kelly of his awards despite his "disturbing" actions.

December 9, 2022: Unauthorized Release of "I Admit It" Album

On December 9, 2022, an album credited to R. Kelly titled I Admit It was released on streaming services, but was later taken down due to not being approved by Sony or R. Kelly's team.

2022: Conviction for production of child pornography

In 2022, R. Kelly faced conviction for production of child pornography.

2022: Conviction on Multiple Charges

In 2022, R. Kelly was convicted on multiple charges involving child sexual abuse.

2023: Kelly is serving a 31-year sentence

As of 2023, R. Kelly is serving a 31-year combined sentence at FCI Butner Medium I.

July 30, 2024: Kelly asks Supreme Court to review child pornography case

On July 30, 2024, multiple news outlets reported that R. Kelly, alongside his lawyer Jennifer Bonjean, had asked the Supreme Court to review his child pornography case, which could potentially drop 20 years off his sentence.