R. Kelly Rep Resigns After Saying He Wouldn't Leave His Child With A Pedophile
(Via AllHipHop News) R. Kelly's public relations team is in turmoil. Darrell Johnson has chosen to resign as the R&B artist's crisis manager following an appearance on CBS This Morning.
"Absolutely not... I wouldn't leave my daughter with anybody that's accused of pedophilia. Period," responded Johnson when Gayle King asked if he would be okay with his own child being left with Kelly. "I would not leave my daughter with anyone that's accused of being a pedophile. I would not."
That statement quickly went viral. However, Johnson walked back his answer on CBS This Morning. He also informed USA Today that he is no longer working with the "Sex Me" singer.
"I should have worded it better," said Johnson. "I would leave my daughter with Kelly because I do not believe he is a pedophile." He then added that his resignation had "nothing to do with Mr. Kelly" and it was for his own personal reasons.
Robert Kelly is facing 18 combined federal counts related to sex crimes in Illinois and New York. The 52-year-old Chicago resident was indicted on child pornography, criminal sexual activity with a minor, sexual exploitation of children, kidnapping, illegal interstate sexual activity, and more. Cook County, Illinois prosecutors have also charged Kelly with multiple counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in state court.
The Grammy winner has been accused of engaging in sex acts with underage girls since the 1990s, including alleged statutory rape of a then-15-year-old Aaliyah when Kelly was 27. The two musicians were also reportedly involved in an annulled marriage.
Kelly was acquitted in a 2008 child pornography case in Chicago. His lawyer in that trial later said the songwriter was "guilty as hell." R. Kelly has repeatedly denied all allegations of pedophilia and abuse leveled against him. Johnson told USA Today he still believes Kelly is innocent.