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. "I have an ex-manager that's been on my back," he said. We want to hear from you! Three sisters form a singing group in 1950s Harlem, but success threatens to ruin their relationship forever. He rose to fame after singing as an eight-year-old in church before winning a $100,000 grand prize on the syndicated US television talent show, "Big Break," hosted by Natalie Cole. 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. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail. I also did not want that person to be me, Jane testified. 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. It's messed up. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldnt be more thrilled about it. Before Fame. 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 . Although a jury acquitted R. Kelly,. Though Kelly has talked to local Chicago media about the scandal, he hasn't addressed a lot of the questions people have about the tapes. Sparkle - Age, Bio, Personal Life, Family & Stats - CelebsAges 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. Sparkle Talks R Kelly, Aaliyah Marriage, Introducing Cousin To Singer The Times. Modern Movie Musical Essentials. Sparkle niece is still with R kelly - YouTube Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as Jane in R. Kellys criminal trial, where he faces charges for child pornography. Sparkle Live Music is on Instagram 731 posts on their profile Sparkle, however, disputed the witness account after a social media user questioned her about it. As you can imagine, all this drama derailed Sparkle's career. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. An exchange between two ex-lovers? Uh Oh! 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. CHICAGO -- "Sweetie, I'm not trying to get any money for this!". Sparkle Claims Her Niece Lied About Her In R. Kelly Case - Thirsty for News 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 added that she and Kelly were never romantically involved as painted by the victim. 3 min read Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as "Jane" in R.. 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 . Sparkle added that her niece, sister and brother-in-law all reported that nothing was going on, however. (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.) In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places. Both have pleaded not guilty. Sparkle (1976) - IMDb No -- it was part of a shouting match during a contentious cross-examination between R. Kelly's defense attorney Ed Genson and the prosecution's star witness, Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards. TikTok video from Samke Ndlovu INdlovu (@samkeindlovukaz): "#Aunty and Niece Challenge ". In the 1960s, three sisters form a girl group and soon become local sensations with major label interest, but fame becomes a challenge as the close-knit family begins to fall apart. Stay tuned to Thirsty for more updates. She got . READ: Report: R. Kellys Former Staffers Gave Feds 20 More Sex Tapes with Minors. She would go on to release a successful self-titled album in 1998, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. Sparkle stated that her niece was "doing the will of her mom," who she says has allegiance to R. Kelly. On the stand this afternoon, Stephanie Edwards (aka R&B singer Sparkle) says that she introduced the alleged victim, a budding rapper and singer, to Kelly when the three of them met up in the. We were tight, tight, tight." With Philip Michael Thomas, Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith. The victims aunt is a singer named Sparkle, who agreed to testify in the 2008 trial and identified Kelly as the man in the video and her niece as the girl. 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. 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. Sparkle Addresses Niece's Testimony Against R. Kelly - VIBE.com "Of course not. I know them. On the stand, the woman, who is now 37 and identified as just Jane Doe, shared details of how she met Kelly and how they had sex hundreds of times, and he made videos of their encounters which sometimes also involved other minor girls. Sparkle is best known for her 1998 R&B debut hit single 'Be Careful '. Sparkle said in disgust. Kelly faces 14 counts of child pornography -- seven for directing, seven for producing. Our societys awareness and understanding of sexual assault has increased while Kellys funds have dwindled. A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). Singer Sparkle Responds To Her Niece Testifying In R Kelly's Trial - WZAK Its no secret the original R Kelly having relations with a minor (allegedly) video was all over the streets on VHS. R. Kelly was later acquitted of all charges. Sparkle, the girl in the picture and a few others confirmed it was said niece, but the rest of the nieces family said it was . ), "I watched a few seconds of it, and I refused to watch the rest," Adra Gengler testified. ", Genson then made a comment about the girl on the tape looking like a willing participant. 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. 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. One of the disgraced singer's former artists has stepped forward to defend herself in the ongoing R. Kelly trial. She added that there is a family feud, and the victims testimony is a clear plan to try to take her down.. Sparkle replied with a strong denial. 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. What Ever Happened to: Sparkle | Soul In Stereo 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]. put a few things in context,. The video was of a man urinating on a little girl while she called him daddy. The singer used social media to "put a few things in context.". In her video, Sparkle read a statement from her phone and said, "Not all that you heard yesterday from my niece is true. The long-running criminal case of R. Kelly consistently takes strange turns that leaves fans perplexed and for which the case becomes more complicated. 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. 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 Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. While the witness is addressed in court as Jane, her story included identifying details, including that she is Sparkles niece. Sparkle's Niece Now Working With Authorities In R. Kelly Case 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. "She shared how she didn't see me as a survivor but she wanted to celebrate me for being the first one to stand up and bring to light what was going [on].". But things have changed since 2008. ", Sparkle said that she regrets not being a better protector of her niece. She was my heart.". ", Sparkle wasn't the only witness to get emotional on the stand Thursday. While the survivors have now found justice, Sparkle said she still feels guilty for introducing her niece to Kelly in 1997. At the time, Sparkle was largely ignored by the media. PredIQtion Markets. 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. Offset Changes Instagram Avatar to Takeoff Photo After His Death. Sparkle's age is 47. Chrisean Rock Announces Blueface Made It Official With Her Who, do you believe, is lying? Her family also wouldnt be a witness for prosecutors, but things are different now. Creator of Bridget EEs Bloghouse, a A Place Where Real Music Is Previewed and Reviewed. Sparkle Shares What Was Left Out Of "Surviving R. Kelly" - MadameNoire Photo Credit: Gary Miller for Getty Images). Sparkle was born Stephanie Edwards on May 13, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois. 6 2019, Updated 5:51 a.m. 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. Stephanie Edwards, a singer known as Sparkle, testified at R. Kelly's 2008 trial. But I didnt know that a bomb was coming.. Trust me.". When she watched the recording, she said, she recognized her niece, "You know your blood," Sparkle said. 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. Sparkle testified at trial in 2008 that the man in the video was Mr. Kelly, and that the girl was her 14-year-old niece. For full coverage of R. Kelly, see "The R. Kelly Reports.". In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. On Friday, Sparkle took to social media to denounce some of the claims made by her niece on the stand. She admits that some things went down but now she is saying her aunt encouraged it. 'Nobody Believed Me': Singer Sparkle Speaks on How She Warned About R "Surviving R.Kelly," a Lifetime docu-series that's airing in six parts on three nights about musician R. Kelly, has reinvigorated the public's interest in the long list of accusations made against the controversial singer. Knowing that theres no right answer to explain their ongoing actions and years of support for Robert once learning about that tape, the clear plan is to try and take me down because Ive been so vocal, she explained. She writes for Thirsty for News, covering world news and entertainment. Sparkle says she became suspicious of R. Kelly's involvement with her teenage niece in 2001. 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. "I wanted this to go away. Singer Sparkle Responds To Her Niece Testifying In R Kelly's Trial 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. 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). 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. Fast forwarding to now, R Kelly pretty much got a life sentence plus he still has more charges to face. "He made her do [those sexual acts]," she said. Sound it in the comments. Interview: Sparkle on R. Kelly's Guilty Verdict - The Cut By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. R Kellys Sister Says Hes The Victim of Lies & Racism, C-Murder On A Hunger Strike Protesting Prison Conditions, Meet Kym Sellers Family First Storm Shyanne Sellers [VIDEO], Maryland Mayor Arrested On 56 Counts Of Child Pornography. (Several other people have also identified the girl and Kelly on the tape during testimony. Kelly faces 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei) Instagram photos and videos isparklei Follow 180 posts 27.5K followers 395 following Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) Musician Obstacle Course EP - 7/13 Response To The Verdict @thecut Life Feat. "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. Absolutely NOT! The video was of a man urinating on a little girl while she called him daddy. The federal charges are separate from the 10 counts of sexual abuse Kelly received in February in Chicago and different from the other 11- sexual misconduct counts he was slapped with in May in that same city. What is the relationship between the two singers? Drama! Sparkle Denies Niece's Testimony That She Brought Her to R For years, Sparkle has made claims about Kelly allegedly abusing her niece . Blog. In "Surviving R. Kelly," Edwards discusses Kelly's behavior toward her while they worked together. Please say its not you., Sparkle replied, Absolutely NOT! In 2002, the singer Sparkle, whose real name is Stephanie Edwards, claimed her niece was the underage girl in an infamous sex video featuring R. Kelly. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Trust me. Sparkle Addresses Niece's Testimony Against R. Kelly - Yahoo! 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].. Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly . SEPTEMBER 17: Singer R. Kelly appears standing beside his attorney, Steven Greenberg during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on September 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. 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. ", More cases against R. Kelly will come forward, Sparkle predicted, if they don't settle out of court first. "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. This can't be real, can it? : r/awfuleverything - reddit Sparkle's Niece Reshona Lanfair Finally Comes Forward Against R Kelly Advancing the culture and building bridges. A new development in the case has resulted from the Sparkles nieces recent admission of the truth. 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. 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. Sparkle went on to sign with Motown Records and released a second album, titled "Told You So," in 2000. "But there are others that haven't been spoken of that have been possibly paid off. "I know my family. 8771 1829 linktr.ee/sparklelivemusic Posts Reels Tagged Show More Posts from sparklelivemusic 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. Earlier this week, Kelly who wore ankle shackles along with his orange jumpsuit, pled not guilty to the charges. R. Kelly Trial: Sparkle Claims Niece Lied About Her On The Stand Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. Fourteen witnesses had identified the girl in the video during the 20018 trial, but she and members of her family did not testify. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The singer expressed hurt and called the testimony a result of their "family feud." In addition, Sparkle revealed that her niece attempting to implicate her in the case is an "absolute will of her mom" and an "unfortunate . Girl In Alleged R. Kelly Tape Said To Be 14-Year-Old Niece Of Singer Sparkle prayed for her niece to one day tell the truth and shame the devil and for them to be a family again. 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. She. There are a lot of people who are very jealous of me right now and they're trying to destroy me.". Lets continue to pray for healing in this family. "You couldn't break the chain with us. Best known by her stage name, Sparkle rose to prominence as a member of R. Kelly's Rockland Records and was the first artist to release a single on the label. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), singer began grooming the 14-year-old victim and began having sex with her at just 15 years, Prosecutors are pushing for another conviction, R. Kelly being sentenced to 30 years in prison, R. Kelly and Joycelyn Savages Father Denies She Gave Birth To His Baby, R. Kellys Unauthorized Album I Did It Removed From Streaming Services, DJ Envy, Lil Mama, Erica Mena Calls Out Angela Yee Over Breakfast Club Claims, Nicki Minaj Launches Own Record Label, Skeng Among First Signees, Popcaan and Squash 6ixx Boss Clash On IG Igniting Beef, Nicki Minaj New Song Red Ruby Da Sleeze Debut At No. "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said during the emotional trial, according to MTV. Without Wayne Shorters Weather Report, Jazz Rap Wouldnt Be What It Is, Fans Are Overjoyed to See De La Soul Albums on DSPs, 9 New Hip-Hop & R&B Albums You Should Be Listening To (Week of March 3), Larry June & The Alchemist Announce Joint Album The Great Escape. I Never, Ever Left My Niece Alone In The Studio: Sparkle Shares What Was Left Out Of "Surviving R. Kelly" Posted on January 16, 2019 - By Veronica Wells MadameNoire Featured Video Sparkle, Once R. Kelly's Protge, May Testify Against Him. Again. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. According to . Singer Sparkle's Allegations About R. Kelly And Her Niece In 'Surviving 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. Im not that girl. There's no denying it. Sparkle has since thanked "Surviving R. Kelly" producer Dream Hampton for once again bringing attention to the alleged crimes. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girls family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. The girl's mother -- Sparkle's sister -- didn't want to see the tape and didn't want to talk about it, she said. 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. 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. You just know your family. Close Menu. Is Sparkle's Niece Cooperating With Authorities Against R. Kelly? 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. 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. R. Kelly's former protg Stephanie Edwards, who recorded under the name Sparkle, also spoke on the verdict. Naked Pic of Serena Williams Goes Viral! She also spoke out in September 2021 after the singerwas convictedof nine counts of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges, and sentenced to 30 years behind bars. Apple Music Film, TV & Stage. Sparkle: Directed by Sam O'Steen. "Like she's a prostitute!" 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. Sparkle Denies The Claims Made By Her Niece In Court--Says She Never 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. 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. We publish narratives intentionally and specifically to enlighten and transform the world. 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. 2 on the R&B charts and was certified gold soon after . Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. I cant help the lies told on me & under oath at all & cause ya momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify In the old video footage, Kelly can be seen engaging in sex acts with the young girl, whom he also urinates on. But let me chill. She said she regretted bringing her niece to Kelly's studio and later his home -- "my mistake," Sparkle said. @lifetimetv SRK For Girls/Women linktr.ee/isparklei Posts Reels Videos Tagged I believe that [the police] have a lot that they are actually going to bring to light.". His response thus far has been that the tapes are fabricated and that he's been blackmailed. Singer Sparkle, who formerly recorded with Kelly, says Landfair is her niece. Kelly is now facing state and federal charges including sexual assault, obstruction of justice, child pornography, and racketeering.