R. Kelly Denies 'Cult' Allegations

Following a report from BuzzFeed News, in which R. Kelly is accused of abusing women in a “cult,” the R&B singer has responded to the accusations.

“Mr. Robert Kelly is both alarmed and disturbed at the recent revelations attributed to him,” said Kelly’s attorney, Linda Mensch (via Variety). “Mr. Kelly unequivocally denies such allegations and will work diligently and forcibly to pursue his accusers and clear his name.”

The BuzzFeed News report was written by Jim DeRogatis, who has long covered Kelly’s allegations of sexual misconduct. It features three former Kelly associates — Cheryl Mack, Kitti Jones, and Asante McGee — speaking on the record about their experiences with the R&B star. “[Kelly] is a master of mind control,” said Mack, who used to be the singer’s personal assistant. “He is a puppet master.”

The article also features quotes from parents who wish to see their daughters again. They allege that their daughters, who are above the age of consent, ran off with Kelly after he promised to help their burgeoning music careers. One of the singers was questioned by police and said she was “fine” and that she would like to not be “bothered.”

Those parents were not named in the BuzzFeed article, but they reportedly intend to host a press conference soon, according to DeRogatis, who spoke with Variety in a separate story.

“The parents intend to come forward,” he said. “They’ve always wanted to, but we at BuzzFeed would not name the victims of domestic abuse so we are respecting their privacy by not using the parents’ names in the story…The parents have said they’re going to hold a press conference in Atlanta, possibly very soon.”