According to The New York Times, the extent of this girls cooperation with authorities isnt clear, her lawyer, Christopher L. Brown spoke of her willingness to work with authorities days after Kelly was accused, in a federal indictment, of paying the girl and her father to lie to investigators to protect him. 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. Uh Oh! 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. Our societys awareness and understanding of sexual assault has increased while Kellys funds have dwindled. You may recall in the 2008 trial against Kelly, the girl in the tape along with her family members refused to testify against the singer. We were very cordial.". 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. 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 . An exchange between two ex-lovers? One of the disgraced singers former artists has stepped forward to defend herself in the ongoing R. Kelly trial. Mar. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. She also attested to having sexual encounters with the singer hundreds of times since the age of 14. Sparkle's niece recently confronted something against her aunt and as a result, Sparkle claimed that her niece had lied about her. She's being exposed to the world. And earlier this week, lawyer Michael Avenatti who gave a tape of Kelly and a young girl to the Cook County States Attorney in February said the singer gave the girl in the tape and her family $2 million to remain silent. At the time, the niece had denied it was her, although she changed her testimony on the stand on Thursday to confirm that it was her in the video. Prosecutors turned over to Kelly's defense team a DVD that alleges to show Kelly having sex with an underage girl in the 1990s. 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." Sparkle prayed for her niece to one day tell the truth and shame the devil and for them to be a family again. Stephanie Edwards (born May 13, 1975), better known by her stage name Sparkle, is an American R&B singer. Its no secret the original R Kelly having relations with a minor (allegedly) video was all over the streets on VHS. 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. 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. "Of course not. Before Fame. His first albums. 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. People are trying to make money off my music and my name in a very, very negative way. Sparkle has long asserted that her niece was abused by Kelly. It's very upsetting to my family. ), "I watched a few seconds of it, and I refused to watch the rest," Adra Gengler testified. Sparkle: Directed by Sam O'Steen. Sparkle replied with a strong denial. 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. READ: Report: R. Kellys Former Staffers Gave Feds 20 More Sex Tapes with Minors. Kelly faces 14 counts of child pornography -- seven for directing, seven for producing. (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.) Fourteen witnesses had identified the girl in the video during the 20018 trial, but she and members of her family did not testify. The singer's niece, who's allegedly the 14-year-old girl on the infamous 2008 sex tape, recently claimed Sparkle encouraged her to ask Kelly to be her godfather by enticing him. The victim in the video did notcooperate with prosecutors in the original case, but finally agreed to workwith the government after Kelly was arrested in 2019. What do you think about the matter? Sparkle niece is still with R kelly - YouTube Sparkle niece is still with R kelly Capricorn Queen 1.74K subscribers Subscribe 424 Share 169K views 4 years ago #SurvivingRkelly. The singer used social media to "put a few things in context.". Close Menu. She admits that some things went down but now she is saying her aunt encouraged it. 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. She attributed details of her nieces testimony to misguidance and the inability to think independently. We were a gospel group just years prior so me thinking about them for them was partly programmed in meagain, Because Robert was given the opportunity to have his own imprint, record label, I introduced my sister, my brother-in-law and my niece to Robert at CRC studios in 1997 in hopes of landing my niece a career in this industry, not a concert as she testified, Sparkle said. "Never. She went on to claim that Sparkle was the one who introduced her to Kelly, saying her auntencouraged her to rub Kellys headand sit on his lap. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldn't be more thrilled about it. MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 'You just know your family. It's so very sad.". With Philip Michael Thomas, Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. Sparkle was the first and only successful artist to release an album on Kelly's Rockland label.Sparkle's dbut album, the self-titled Sparkle, was released on May 19, 1998.The album debuted at No. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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 claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. Since the news of her niece's cooperation has been made public, Sparkle says she is thrilled. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail. 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.. We were tight, tight, tight." Her testimony sliced her family into factions, relegating her to years of . 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? 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. Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, a recording artist as well, was born on May 13, 1975. "A lot of people know about it, but when the smoke clears, you guys will really be able to know exactly what is going on. You cant stifle me. As news of Janes testimony went public, Sparkle took to social media to refute the claims. Both have pleaded not guilty. Naked Pic of Serena Williams Goes Viral! The video was of a man urinating on a little girl while she called him daddy. Bop Shop: Songs From J-Hope And J. 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By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as Jane in R. Kellys criminal trial, where he faces charges for child pornography. Trust me. advice and career trends - and MadameNoire provides all of that. Sparkle went on to sign with Motown Records and released a second album, titled "Told You So," in 2000. Home. The now 37-year-old woman who is identified only as "Jane," told jurors that she was first introduced to R. Kelly by her aunt Sparkle in the mid-1990s when she was 13 years old. Sparkle first introduced her then-12-year-old niece to Kelly in 1997 a decision that still haunts her to this day. 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. "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. She shared that she feels these are lies organized by her sister as a method of sabotage. R. Kelly's former protg Stephanie Edwards, who recorded under the name Sparkle, also spoke on the verdict. In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. Whitten Sabbatini for . As of now, Sparkles niece and her attorney have yet to respond to Sparkles claim she lied on the stand. "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said. Please say its not you., Sparkle replied, Absolutely NOT! ", Though it's causing division within her family, Sparkle said that she's aiding the Chicago police investigation. Celebrate (From "Sparkle") Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks. "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. Singer Sparkle found herself in the middle of R. Kellys federal child pornography trial. "It's hurtful to my sister, to my brother-in-law and to my niece, especially, because it's all her. "Anger? While the survivors have now found justice, Sparkle said she still feels guilty for introducing her niece to Kelly in 1997. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! Prosecutors believe that there were many more girls, beyond the initially cited 12, who were victim to Kellys abuse. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. Who, do you believe, is lying? Stephanie Edwards, a singer known as Sparkle, testified at R. Kelly's 2008 trial. 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. 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. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. Sparkle was also the one to call her family members when she would find out that the niece was alone in the studio with him. She would go on to release a successful self-titled album in 1998, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. Jurors and observers heard the gory details from the 14-year-old, who disclosed that the singer began grooming the 14-year-old victim and began having sex with her at just 15 years old when Kelly was around 30 years old. As of today, they're still investigating the situation. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girls family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. This ongoing R. Kelly trial has caused one of the disgraced singer's former artists to come forward to defend herself. 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, the girl in the picture and a few others confirmed it was said niece, but the rest of the nieces family said it was . "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. At the time, she and her family denied her appearance in the video and refused to testify. What is the relationship between the two singers? . Sparkle has openly confronted the fact that her niece has lied about her in court. 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. "Hampton spoke to me and spoke to my management," Edwards continued. Its impact cannot be overstated and a month later, Kelly was facing new charges in Chicago. MadameNoire Copyright 2023 BossipMadameNoire, LLC All Rights Reserved | BHM Digital, a federal indictment, of paying the girl and her father to lie to investigators. 1 on iTunes. Genson pointed out that the girl is seen receiving money on the tape. 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. She previously told the Cut that, when Kelly was producing her first album in the late '90s, she thought the singer could also help her niece, an aspiring rapper, launch a career. This encounter disheartened Sparkle and caused her to step back from her career in entertainment. Sparkle did, however, testify against Kelly when he was on trial for child porn that featured her niece. Kellys trial is ongoing, with the sex tapes of other underaged victims set to be played for jurors. The girl I knew was always bubbly, but she seems like a robot in that video. But let me chill. If you are in your 40's you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). 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 . 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. The woman claimed that Kelly agreed to serve as her godfather and that her parents had given their blessing. 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. "Sparkle" featured a duet with Kelly, titled "Be Careful.". Sparkles niece ended up in court before the side settle, and Sparkle who said she rode for her niece, fell out with Robert Kelly, however her family turned their back on her in the fallout out of everything. 3 min read Singer Sparkle has refuted testimony made by a witness recognized as "Jane" in R.. 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. which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. 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. Will No Longer Be Pursuing These Indictments: Chicago Prosecutor Drops Sex-Abuse Charges Against Singer R. Kelly Months After Conviction. I was ashamed.. Kelly got emotional during the sit-down and alleged that he is "fighting for his . "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. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. In her video, Sparkle read a statement from her phone and said, "Not all that you heard yesterday from my niece is true. Sparkle, born Stephanie Edwards, issued a video statement denying the claims. At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. "I just shied away from the industry. 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! because you deserve it! #SomeoneWhoLovesMusicWayTooMuch There are a lot of people who are very jealous of me right now and they're trying to destroy me.". 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. But now people are seeing.". Sparkle was born Stephanie Edwards on May 13, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois. In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. 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. There's no denying it,' she says on the stand. "You have no idea whether this was put together by someone trying to get money from Robert, do you?" Earlier this week, the disgraced singer and his legal team appeared in a Chicago court, where Kelly faces several criminal charges. Jane, one of multiple alleged victims set to take the stand, revealed under oath that she was the teenager with Kelly in the explicit video recording that resulted in his arrest and child pornography trial in 2008. It's very upsetting. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Stephanie Edwards made a statement to the New York Times: I went at it alone. 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. "She's like a robot." Genson accused Sparkle of being bitter and characterized the end of her working relationship with Kelly as a firing. According to reports, Sparkle was allegedly suggested by the niece. In the old video footage, Kelly can be seen engaging in sex acts with the young girl, whom he also urinates on. Prosecutors say he victimized 12 women, at least eight of whom were underage at the time of the events. The decision, many believe, ultimately resulted in the jury acquitting the singer. The woman disclosed that her aunt and her parents knew about her being around Kelly. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. ", "No," she said. Sparkle also heard the news of her niece's testimony and took to Instagram to discuss the allegations. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Sparkle said in disgust. The Times reports, her lawyer says she is now cooperating with authorities. 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. Creator of Bridget EEs Bloghouse, a A Place Where Real Music Is Previewed and Reviewed. I wish they were backing [me] when I was coming up and had a story to tell, but nobody believed. Sparkle says she became suspicious of R. Kelly's involvement with her teenage niece in 2001. Sparkle first started singing in her family's gospel music group. But after the meeting, "There was one side and another side," she said. But in 2001, when she actually witnessed the tape herself, she didn't hesitate to call. Im not that girl. 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. Activity. Like she said on "Surviving R. Kelly," Sparkle reiterated that she was naive at the . According to The New York Times, the girl in the video is now working with investigators after the disgraced singer was arrested last week on a slew of federal charges, including sex trafficking, child pornography and obstruction of justice. Singer Sparkle, who formerly recorded with Kelly, says Landfair is her niece. 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. Sparkle corrected him and said she had asked to be released from her contract so she could work with other people, such as Steve Huff, Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. 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. "I have an ex-manager that's been on my back," he said. Three sisters form a singing group in 1950s Harlem, but success threatens to ruin their relationship forever. Though praising her niece for finally cooperating with prosecutors, the singer says that she is at the center of a . 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. , fanduel paypal deposit, how old is kelly tshibaka,