Pussycat Dolls 'want R Kelly song removed' following allegations
The Pussycat Dolls are the latest musicians reportedly attempting to disassociate themselves with R&B singer R Kelly (real name Robert Sylvester Kelly). This comes just weeks after new documentary series Surviving R Kelly began airing in the US.
The noughties pop group – whose members include Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts, and Kimberly Wyatt – recorded a song with the ‘I Believe I can Fly’ crooner back in 2008 at the height of their fame.
The song, ‘Out of this Club’, was also produced by the 52-year-old singer and songwriter.
According to a report in TMZ, executives at the girl group’s record label Interscope are pulling strings to remove the song from all streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music.
Removing the song would mean neither R. Kelly or The Pussycat Dolls would be able to profit from the song via streaming services.
Over the last week multiple major artists have worked to drop their collaborations with R Kelly from streaming services and music video platforms.
On January 10 Lady Gaga apologised on Twitter for her 2008 collaboration with R Kelly for their duet, ‘Do What U What’ and said she was working toward getting the song removed from streaming platforms.
I stand by anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault: pic.twitter.com/67sz4WpV3i
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) January 10, 2019
However, according a Billboard report, the song has risen in online sales by 13,720% since her tweet.
Celine Dion has also denounced her collaboration with Kelly, the pair recorded a 1998 duet, ‘I’m Your Angel,’ and has pulled the song from streaming services and the music video from YouTube.
And Chance the Rapper’s collaboration with Kelly, ‘Somewhere in Paradise,’ has been disabled from Spotify as of Monday.
Rumours and legal battles have surrounded R Kelly for years over alleged sexual abuse, including with underage girls. However, the Lifetime’s series Surviving R Kelly, has finally prompted recognition from fellow music artists.
The series spotlights several of his alleged victims. In each episode they recount the alleged sexual abuse and several have claimed to have been kept as ‘sex slaves’ in his ‘sex cult.’
R Kelly denies the allegations, and is allegedly planning to sue Lifetime over the series. He is reportedly being criminally investigated following the series accusations were aired.
Read more
R Kelly accuser says he threatened her
Marcus Bentley hints at Big Brother return
Hugh Grant appeals for help after script stolen
