R. Kelly, once a celebrated R&B icon, fell from grace following his high-profile trial and conviction for sex-related crimes. While many in the entertainment industry distanced themselves from him, a few still stand by his side, either openly supporting him or questioning the legal system’s treatment of him. Among those who have defended or expressed support for R. Kelly are Erykah Badu and Joycelyn Savage.
1. Erykah Badu – A Call for Compassion
Erykah Badu, known for her neo-soul music and spiritual persona, made headlines in 2019 when she appeared to defend R. Kelly during a concert in Chicago. While she didn't outright dismiss the allegations against him, she urged fans to approach the situation with compassion and understanding.
During her performance, she reportedly said:
> “I don’t know how everybody else feels about it, but I’m putting up a prayer right now for R. I hope he sees the light of day if he’s done all those things that we’ve seen on TV and heard those ladies talk about.”
This statement was met with mixed reactions—some applauded her for advocating forgiveness, while others accused her of defending a predator. Badu later clarified her stance, saying that her words were misunderstood, and she does not condone abuse. However, the backlash she received showed just how polarizing R. Kelly remains.
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2. Joycelyn Savage – Standing by R. Kelly Despite the Scandal
Unlike Erykah Badu, who voiced her views publicly, Joycelyn Savage has been personally entangled in the R. Kelly controversy. Savage was one of R. Kelly’s alleged victims but has consistently denied that she was abused.
When the "Surviving R. Kelly" documentary aired, many expected Savage to come forward with accusations. Instead, she and another woman, Azriel Clary, appeared in a 2019 interview with CBS’s Gayle King, fiercely defending R. Kelly and insisting they were with him by choice.
Joycelyn’s loyalty continued even after R. Kelly’s conviction. In 2022, she claimed to be engaged to the disgraced singer, submitting a letter to the judge ahead of his sentencing, referring to herself as his fiancée and insisting he was a "wonderful person." This revelation shocked many, as she had long been seen as a victim rather than a supporter.
Despite public scrutiny and concern from her family, Joycelyn remains one of R. Kelly’s most vocal defenders, standing by him even as he serves time in prison.
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Final Thoughts – Why Do Some Still Support R. Kelly?
While most of the entertainment industry has cut ties with R. Kelly, figures like Erykah Badu and Joycelyn Savage highlight the complexity of loyalty, belief, and forgiveness. Some supporters feel he has been treated unfairly, while others may have personal reasons for their continued allegiance.
But one thing is clear—R. Kelly remains one of the most controversial figures in modern music history, and the divide between those who condemn him and those who defend him isn’t going away anytime soon.
What are your thoughts? Should celebrities speak out in support of R. Kelly, or should they distance themselves? Let us know in the comments!