MadameNoire Copyright 2023 BossipMadameNoire, LLC All Rights Reserved | BHM Digital, a federal indictment, of paying the girl and her father to lie to investigators. 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. 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. According to a report in The New York Times, the young girl who appeared in the infamous tape that showed the R&B singer performing sex acts and urinating on the then-14-year-old is now cooperating with prosecutors. Sparkle - Age, Bio, Personal Life, Family & Stats - CelebsAges Sparkle stated that her niece was "doing the will of her mom," who she says has allegiance to R. Kelly. Sparkle the Singer Niece - Search - chipnation.org (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.) With Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps. Sparkle's Niece Now Working With Authorities In R. Kelly Case TikTok video from Samke Ndlovu INdlovu (@samkeindlovukaz): "#Aunty and Niece Challenge ". 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. As you can imagine, all this drama derailed Sparkle's career. I cant help the lies told on me & under oath at all & cause ya momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify We were very cordial.". Sparkle Talks Scenes Left Out of "Surviving R. Kelly", The Infamous There's no denying it. She would go on to release a successful self-titled album in 1998, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. #SomeoneWhoLovesMusicWayTooMuch Sparkle, real name Stephanie Edwards, also positively identified R. Kelly as the man on the tape engaging in illegal sex with her 13-year-old niece. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Picture Perfect Poster Girl: Taylour Paige Stars As "Boogie's" Leading Lady, UPDATE: Jesseca Dupart Denies That LisaRaye Found Out About Da Brat's Pregnancy Via Social Media, Your Weekly Helping Of Tidday Meats & Treats On The Gram, Cougar Chronicles! [He] cant tell me what I can and cant do. EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea - YouTube Singer Sparkle Reacts to Claims That She Allowed R. Kelly to - EURweb She's being exposed to the world. Sparkle first introduced her then-12-year-old niece to Kelly in 1997 a decision that still haunts her to this day. Custom Content Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand . 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,. Sparkle first started singing in her family's gospel music group. 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. 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. Sparkle Claims Her Niece Lied About Her In R. Kelly Case - Thirsty for News 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. Since the alleged R. Kelly sex tapes first hit the media two months ago, the primary question has been if the girl featured on the 27-minute tape, currently under investigation by the Chicago police, was actually underage, since her identity had been kept hidden. Sparkle, first woman to publicly accuse R. Kelly, on - CBS News "Hampton spoke to me and spoke to my management," Edwards continued. Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. 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. By Kelly Butler. 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. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. What Ever Happened to: Sparkle | Soul In Stereo Update: Sparkle Calls Her Niece's Claims in R. Kelly's Trial an Offset Changes Instagram Avatar to Takeoff Photo After His Death. Singer Sparkle's Allegations About R. Kelly And Her Niece In 'Surviving According to THE CUT Sparkle, whose real name is Stephanie Edwards, has been trying to convince the world that Kelly sexually abused her teenage niece. 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? He has pleaded not guilty. "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. Recording artist Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards accused R. Kelly of having sex with her 14-year-old niece at his 2008 trial. 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 also heard the news of her niece's testimony and took to Instagram to discuss the allegations. At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. In the meantime, Kelly has hired private investigator Jack Palladino to help build his defense, Palladino's office confirmed. Its not clear to what extent shes working with investigators, but her attorney, Christopher L. Brown, confirmed that she is indeed cooperating. There are a lot of people who are very jealous of me right now and they're trying to destroy me.". Please say its not you., Sparkle replied, Absolutely NOT! Prosecutors believe that there were many more girls, beyond the initially cited 12, who were victim to Kellys abuse. Lets continue to pray for healing in this family. 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. Heres Why. Singer Sparkle Responds To Her Niece Testifying In R Kelly's Trial 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. R. Kelly: Singer Sparkle Denies Telling 14-Y-O Niece To Rub Singer's An R&B singer who was once Kelly's protg, Sparkle testified for more than an hour and a half Thursday afternoon during Kelly's child-pornography trial, describing how she introduced her niece to Kelly, how she later came to discover that the sex tape existed, and how that drove her family apart. We talked about business. Sparkle has since thanked "Surviving R. Kelly" producer Dream Hampton for once again bringing attention to the alleged crimes. "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]. Sparkle replied with a strong denial. The singer used social media to "put a few things in context.". She admits that some things went down but now she is saying her aunt encouraged it. Sparkle met singer R. Kelly in 1989. It's disgusting. Trust me. Since the news of her niece's cooperation has been made public, Sparkle says she is thrilled. On Tuesday, after Kelly pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, a Chicago judge ordered him to remain behind bars without bond, where hes being kept away from general population for safety reasons. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. With Philip Michael Thomas, Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith. Here's Where to Find the Best Corned Beef in Cleveland! Get notified about exclusive offers every week! 2 on the R&B charts and was certified gold soon after . In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost. All Rights Reserved. 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. Earlier this week, Kelly who wore ankle shackles along with his orange jumpsuit, pled not guilty to the charges. Several witnesses identified the singer and the girl to authorities afterward, but Kelly was still acquitted of 14 child pornography charges on June 13, 2008. Stephanie Edwards (born May 13, 1975), better known by her stage name Sparkle, is an American R&B singer. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. 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. 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. People in Kelly's circle interviewed in "Surviving R. Kelly" claim to have seen the woman on the singer's property multiple times in recent years. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girls family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. In our exclusive interview, she shared that the decision cost her the relationship with her family. Its no secret the original R Kelly having relations with a minor (allegedly) video was all over the streets on VHS. Sparkle: Directed by Salim Akil. FAQ + Create an Account / Login. Music Videos. Sparkle testified that she then called a family meeting so her other relatives could see the tape for themselves. Prosecutors say he victimized 12 women, at least eight of whom were underage at the time of the events. Modern Movie Musical Essentials. But now people are seeing.". It's so very sad.". "I wanted this to go away. "Sparkle" featured a duet with Kelly, titled "Be Careful.". "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. Chrisean Rock Announces Blueface Made It Official With Her 90s R&B Singer Sparkle Responds To Niece Testimony Against R Kelly Sparkle was born Stephanie Edwards on May 13, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Whats The Deal With This R. Kelly Album That Dropped? 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. Her family also wouldnt be a witness for prosecutors, but things are different now. Bop Shop: Songs From J-Hope And J. Cole, Daisy Jones & The Six, And More, One trip back to the '70s, another to the future, Deem Spencer Swims Into The Deep End Of His Mind, The New York rapper adds a new layer of introspection and maturity to his trademark jovial teenage anguish with 'AdultSW!M', Diasporic Reflections: Four Black Creatives Making Art Tinged With Legacy, Joshua Renfroe, Kuukua Eshun, Aja Monet, and Mike Abrantie tell MTV News about purpose and perspective in Black communities worldwide, Bop Shop: Songs From Kelela, PinkPantheress And Ice Spice, The Boyz, And More, The boy might be a liar, but the memes simply don't lie, SZA Brings Her Fans On An Emotional Voyage On 'SOS' Tour, In Chicago, the second night of her arena showcase found the singer sailing across a sea of victory, The musician discusses how art about half-human, half-mechatronic beings alongside their gender and racial identities informs their debut album, The Exhibit: Finding the Next Great Artist. Kelly faces 14 counts of child pornography -- seven for directing, seven for producing. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. In addition to child pornography, Kelly is facing state and federal charges of obstruction of justice, sexual assault and racketeering. 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. Sparkle - Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. Uh Oh! In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places. I cant help the lies told on me & under oath at all & cause ya momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify, she said. 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. Career. Sparkle prayed for her niece to one day tell the truth and shame the devil and for them to be a family again. Sparkle Denies The Claims Made By Her Niece In Court--Says She Never 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. 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. Yesterday, R. Kelly sat down with Gayle King for his first interview since new allegations of sexual abuse against the singer have been revealed, most due in part to Lifetime's docu-series, Surviving R. Kelly. Sparkle Shares What Was Left Out Of "Surviving R. Kelly" - MadameNoire Yes, Sparkle identified the 14-year-old as her sister's daughter and that the girl was engaging in filth with the Pied Piper of R&Pee. 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. 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 . Sparkle was horrified when she discovered that it was her niece at the center of Kelly's 2002 child pornography indictment. It's messed up. 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. 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. READ: Report: R. Kellys Former Staffers Gave Feds 20 More Sex Tapes with Minors. 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. 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. The alleged victim on the tape is also the niece of the singer Sparkle, whom Kelly mentored as an artist early in her career. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Home. 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. Sparkle has openly confronted the fact that her niece has lied about her in court. Her family would rather keep the matter quiet, she said, even if that means protecting an alleged predator. In one of his few public comments on the issue, Kelly told Chicago radio station WGCI-FM in Chicago on April 4 that he couldn't comment on much of the scandal, per his attorney's advice. Kelly faces 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Both have pleaded not guilty. She said that his acquittal then affected her view of the #MeToo movement a decade later. Unsurprisingly, that 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? While the witness is addressed in court as Jane, her story included identifying details, including that she is Sparkles niece. She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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. One of those relatives, singer Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, testified Thursday that she had introduced the alleged victim to Kelly, and that the girl called him her "Godfather." Report: Then-14-Year-Old in R. Kelly's Sexual Assault Tape Is Now "Of course not. 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.. 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. She was my heart.". Sparkle niece is still with R kelly - YouTube Bossip Video Sparkle, the aunt of an R Kelly victim, is claiming her niece is lying on the stand as she testifies about her experience with the singer as a 14-year-old. Sparkle's Niece Now Working With Authorities In R. Kelly Case Shortly after the tape was released, the woman's aunt - 1990s R&B singer Sparkle - came forward and blasted her former mentor R Kelly. Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as Jane in R. Kellys criminal trial, where he faces charges for child pornography. Creator of Bridget EEs Bloghouse, a A Place Where Real Music Is Previewed and Reviewed. Cardi B and Offset Meal Boycotted By Several McDonalds Franchise Owners, Gary Owens Estranged Wife Clowns His New Boo On The Gram, Da Brat Reveals Shes Pregnant at 48, Expecting Baby With Wife Jesseca Judy Dupart, R. Kelly Sentenced to 20 Years for Child Sex Crimes in 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. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Activity. The woman disclosed that her aunt and her parents knew about her being around Kelly. Following the allegations made in court, Sparkle took to social media to issue a video statement denying the claims. It's very upsetting to my family. 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. Advancing the culture and building bridges. Before Fame. Find a review of [article id="1587729"]the major players in the R. Kelly trial here[/article]. he asked. At the time, she and her family denied her appearance in the video and refused to testify. Naked Pic of Serena Williams Goes Viral! ", Genson then made a comment about the girl on the tape looking like a willing participant. She said this took place during a time when other members of her family also had a working relationship with the singer (Sparkle's brother-in-law, for instance, played guitar for Kelly, she said). What do you think about the matter? "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said during the emotional trial, according to MTV. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. She told me that I should ask him to be my godfather, she shared according to CNN, explaining that deepening the relationship established trust. 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. 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. According to . All Rights Reserved. Sparkle Claims Her Niece Lied About Her In R. Kelly Case, Kelly Osbourne Shares Adorable First Photo of Baby Son Hanging Out with Uncle Jack, UFC Ring Girl Arianny Celeste Sizzles In Black Bikini Beach Photo Drop, Cardi B Reveals First Close-Up Look At Her Latest Face Tattoo For Son Wave, Chelsea Stokes & Kelsea Ballerini Kiss For The First Time In Public As A Couple, Avril Lavigne and Tyga Spotted Hanging Out Amid Separation from Mod Sun, 2022 Thirsty for News. NBA Bans Donald Sterling For Life after Racist Comments. Sparkle Talks R Kelly, Aaliyah Marriage, Introducing Cousin To Singer Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. I wish they were backing [me] when I was coming up and had a story to tell, but nobody believed. Sparkle, born Stephanie Edwards, issued a video statement denying the claims.