At the time, Sparkle was largely ignored by the media. Custom Content Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand . Sparkle Net Worth: Sparkle is an American R&B singer who has a net worth of $600 thousand. "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. The singer used social media to "put a few things in context.". 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. R. Kelly: Singer Sparkle Denies Telling 14-Y-O Niece To Rub Singer's 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 to Kelly, how she later came to discover that the sex tape existed, and how that drove her family apart. Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. Sparkle, the aunt of an R Kelly victim, is claiming her niece is lying on the stand as she testifies about her experience with the singer as a 14-year-old. I went at it alone. He has pleaded not guilty. She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. All Rights Reserved. Sparkle continued, This is another form of the terrible decision-making of her mom and in my opinion, the unfortunate continuing allegiance to Robert.. Now lets observe what transpires in the court. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. Sparkle Calls Her Niece a Liar - Rhymes With Snitch Uh Oh! Stephanie Edwards | Aisha Music His Masters Are Missing: New R. Kelly Music, I Admit, Unauthorized, Pulled from Streaming Services, The Man is In Prison: Tevin Campbell Receives Backlash After Stating R. Kelly Could Go Against Usher In a Verzuz Battle. [article id="1587950"]The mother of another friend of the alleged girl on the tape[/article] cried when she talked about seeing the tape for the first time and recognizing her daughter's friend, saying she was "100 percent certain" it was her by her face, her hairstyle and her voice. In the old video footage, Kelly can be seen engaging in sex acts with the young girl, whom he also urinates on. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Sparkle Claims Her Niece Lied About Her In R. Kelly Case, Kelly Osbourne Shares Adorable First Photo of Baby Son Hanging Out with Uncle Jack, UFC Ring Girl Arianny Celeste Sizzles In Black Bikini Beach Photo Drop, Cardi B Reveals First Close-Up Look At Her Latest Face Tattoo For Son Wave, Chelsea Stokes & Kelsea Ballerini Kiss For The First Time In Public As A Couple, Avril Lavigne and Tyga Spotted Hanging Out Amid Separation from Mod Sun, 2022 Thirsty for News. 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. ), "I watched a few seconds of it, and I refused to watch the rest," Adra Gengler testified. "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said. Sparkle stated that her niece was "doing the will of her mom," who she says has allegiance to R. Kelly. We want to hear from you! NBA Bans Donald Sterling For Life after Racist Comments. Those suspicions were heightened after a now-infamous video, which shows Kelly intimately engaging. In the indictment, Kelly gave the girl and her family gifts, money before and after the trial in exchange for her lying to investigators, being unavailable for interviews and refusing to testify against him. They would pretty much drop me off and then leave, she said about her parents and the introduction by her aunt. Sparkle said that she had discussions with Hankerson, who was also Aaliyah's uncle, about signing to his Blackground record label about two weeks before Aaliyah's death in 2001, but that discussions fell apart. Sparkle Talks R Kelly, Aaliyah Marriage, Introducing Cousin To Singer The "Better Be Careful" singer was one of the first people to go public about . Singer Sparkle, who formerly recorded with Kelly, says Landfair is her niece. TikTok video from Samke Ndlovu INdlovu (@samkeindlovukaz): "#Aunty and Niece Challenge ". Kelly got emotional during the sit-down and alleged that he is "fighting for his . 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. ", Sparkle said that she regrets not being a better protector of her niece. If you are in your 40s you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). Sparkle Live Music is on Instagram 731 posts on their profile At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. No," she said. Singer Sparkle Denies Niece's Testimony That She Brought Her To R She attributed details of her nieces testimony to misguidance and the inability to think independently. If convicted, Kelly would face the maximum of 195 years in prison. The long-running criminal case of R. Kelly consistently takes strange turns that leaves fans perplexed and for which the case becomes more complicated. Prosecutors say he victimized 12 women, at least eight of whom were underage at the time of the events. While a lot of people thinking that Sparkle was the one who introduced her niece to R Kelly and left her there, she explains that there were many other family members more involved than she was. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Singer Sparkle Denies Her Niece's Claims That She Introduced Her To R Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Flavor Of Love Reality Star Deelishis' Niece Reportedly Killed in Mass Shooting; Baddies West Season 3 Fights: Stunna Girl vs. Everybody; 50 Cent Inks Non-Exclusive Broadcast Deal With Fox; Cardi B & Offset Meal Launches at McDonald's on Valentine's Day; Leilani Capalot - T Shirt Music Video & BTS | Video Zone #SomeoneWhoLovesMusicWayTooMuch We talked about business. In an Instagram video, Sparkle called the confusion a family feud and stated that she wanted to put a few things in context., Absolutely NOT!! The woman claimed that Kelly agreed to serve as her godfather and that her parents had given their blessing. I cant help the lies told on me & under oath at all & cause ya momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify 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 was horrified when she discovered that it was her niece at the center of Kelly's 2002 child pornography indictment. In 2002, Kelly re-entered Sparkle's life when a video that appeared to depict sex between Kelly and a 14-year-old came to the attention of police. Unsurprisingly, that 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? So I feel a responsibility for that also, although I'm not responsible for his actions, I feel responsible for even taking her there. Sparkle has openly confronted the fact that her niece has lied about her in court. I'm happy to see the #MeToo movement and Time's Up movement are backing these women. As of today, they're still investigating the situation. Sparkle, real name Stephanie Edwards, also positively identified R. Kelly as the man on the tape engaging in illegal sex with her 13-year-old niece. Sparkle Addresses Niece's Testimony Against R. Kelly The singer used social media to "put a few things in context." By DeMicia Inman August 22, 2022 4:12pm Singer R. Kelly leaves the. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Who is Sparkle and how is she linked to the R Kelly case? Here's what's 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. Creator of Bridget EEs Bloghouse, a A Place Where Real Music Is Previewed and Reviewed. Its impact cannot be overstated and a month later, Kelly was facing new charges in Chicago. During an Instagram broadcast, she decided to put a few things in context.. "I'm beyond pleased to finally hear the mountain I've tirelessly worked on moving over the. A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Music Videos. But I didnt know that a bomb was coming.. 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. I believe that [the police] have a lot that they are actually going to bring to light.". MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Former protégé of R. Kelly makes allegations on Los Angeles radio station. 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. "Never. On the stand, the woman, who is now 37 and identified as just Jane Doe, shared details of how she met Kelly and how they had sex hundreds of times, and he made videos of their encounters which sometimes also involved other minor girls. Now that her niece has finished testifying, Sparkle is speaking out again - and what she's saying is EXPLOSIVE. In one of his few public comments on the issue, Kelly told Chicago radio station WGCI-FM in Chicago on April 4 that he couldn't comment on much of the scandal, per his attorney's advice. This encounter disheartened Sparkle and caused her to step back from her career in entertainment. On Tuesday, after Kelly pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, a Chicago judge ordered him to remain behind bars without bond, where hes being kept away from general population for safety reasons. EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea Kelly & Lisa VA Have S E X Tape! Please say its not you, the user said. Is Sparkle's Niece Cooperating With Authorities Against R. Kelly? Aunt Of R. Kelly's Victim Denies Telling Then 14-Year-Old To Rub Singer I wish they were backing [me] when I was coming up and had a story to tell, but nobody believed. Will No Longer Be Pursuing These Indictments: Chicago Prosecutor Drops Sex-Abuse Charges Against Singer R. Kelly Months After Conviction. You just know your family. "She's doing exactly what he told her to do. Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. "He made her do [those sexual acts]," she said. She says her. Report: Then-14-Year-Old in R. Kelly's Sexual Assault Tape Is Now 6 2019, Updated 5:51 a.m. He did say, however, that not all the evidence had been revealed (see [article id="1453299"]"R. Kelly Settles Civil Suit, Defends Himself On Radio"[/article]). 'Nobody Believed Me': Singer Sparkle Speaks on How She Warned About R Sparkle replied with a strong denial. In "Surviving R. Kelly," Edwards discusses Kelly's behavior toward her while they worked together. The decision, many believe, ultimately resulted in the jury acquitting the singer. Sparkle explains that she testified against Kelly in court, although he allegedly tried to bribe her. What do you think about the matter? Singer Sparkle testified back then that it was her niece on the video but her niece nor anyone else in the family would corroborate her identity on the video tape. 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. (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.) Our societys awareness and understanding of sexual assault has increased while Kellys funds have dwindled. ", Sparkle wasn't the only witness to get emotional on the stand Thursday. All Rights Reserved. Sparkle Denies The Claims Made By Her Niece In Court--Says She Never Sparkle did try and make up for her mistake, and I don't believe her niece in saying rub his head, I believe the niece is permanently damaged by Robert and her parents and her parents told her to say that to take the blame off of them. Sparkle (singer) Wiki - everipedia.org Kelly is now facing state and federal charges including sexual assault, obstruction of justice, child pornography, and racketeering. Following the allegations made in court, Sparkle took to social media to issue a video statement denying the claims. I cant help the lies told on me & under oath at all & cause ya momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify, she said. Sparkle (singer) - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia 2 on the R&B charts and was certified gold soon after . She was my heart.". Prosecutors turned over to Kelly's defense team a DVD that alleges to show Kelly having sex with an underage girl in the 1990s. R. Kelly Trial: Sparkle Claims Niece Lied About Her On The Stand Fast forwarding to now, R Kelly pretty much got a life sentence plus he still has more charges to face. Sparkle (2012) - IMDb Kelly is on trial in Chicago for child pornography and charges that he rigged his 2008 trial to secure his freedom by intimidating the witnesses and using money to make the victim disappear. But now people are seeing.". But in 2001, when she actually witnessed the tape herself, she didn't hesitate to call. 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. 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. Sparkle did cooperate at the time and testified against Kelly at trial, a step that reportedly led to her estrangement from her family for years. Three sisters form a singing group in 1950s Harlem, but success threatens to ruin their relationship forever. - YouTube 0:00 / 25:48 Intro EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea Kelly. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Featured On. Among the issues covered in the investigatory program were allegations made by a former Kelly protege, Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards. In 2002, Kelly re-entered Sparkle's life when a video that appeared to depict sex between Kelly and a 14-year-old came to the attention of police. "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. There's no denying it. It's messed up. black entertainment news, parenting tips and beauty secrets that are specifically for black women. 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 has long asserted that her niece was abused by Kelly. Experience Celebrating The Life Of De La Souls Trugoy The Dove, Tennessee GOP Representative Sorry After Suggesting Hanging By Tree For Executions, C-Murder Reveals Hunger Strike, Claims Health Has Significantly Declined Due To Prison Conditions, TikTok Celebrates Visionary Voices In Black Creatives For Black History Month, R. Kellys Sisters Believe His 30-Year Sentence Is Rooted In Racism. 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. I know them. "You couldn't break the chain with us. For full coverage of R. Kelly, see "The R. Kelly Reports.". BridgetEE: A Music and Entertainment blogger/ Historian / Global Grind Freelance Writer "You have no idea whether this was put together by someone trying to get money from Robert, do you?" Im letting those who know and support me that this is a family feud, she says at the beginning of her video, reading notes from her mobile device. One of the first witnesses to take the stand this week was Kellys victim that was featured on the original sex tape that leaked. Sparkle did, however, testify against Kelly when he was on trial for child porn that featured her niece. Sparkle's age is 47. 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. Several witnesses identified the singer and the girl to authorities afterward, but Kelly was still acquitted of 14 child pornography charges on June 13, 2008. Sparkle has responded in a video (see below) to her nieces testimony: Absolutely NOT!! The woman who is known as an early protg of Kelly in the 1990s and goes by the stage name Sparkle had previously testified in Kellys 2008 trial and the Surviving R. Kelly documentary as she had identified her niece as the girl in a porn video that circulated in Chicago. What Ever Happened to: Sparkle | Soul In Stereo 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. Black women The woman who is known as an early protg of Kelly in the 1990s and goes by the stage name Sparkle had previously testified in Kelly's 2008 trial and the 'Surviving R. Kelly' documentary as she had identified her niece as the girl in a porn video that circulated in Chicago. Those who have been following the scandal were shocked to hear Sparkles testimony because she has long advocated for R. Kellys imprisonment for what he is accused of doing to her niece. Bossip Video Sparkle, the aunt of an R Kelly victim, is claiming her niece is lying on the stand as she testifies about her experience with the singer as a 14-year-old. Sparkle testified at trial in 2008 that the man in the video was Mr. Kelly, and that the girl was her 14-year-old niece. Earlier this week, Kelly who wore ankle shackles along with his orange jumpsuit, pled not guilty to the charges. R. Kelly's former protg Stephanie Edwards, who recorded under the name Sparkle, also spoke on the verdict. Genson pointed out that the girl is seen receiving money on the tape. 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. Of course Im in full unwavering support of them and their act of courage.. 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. Interview: Sparkle on R. Kelly's Guilty Verdict - The Cut His first albums. "She's my niece. . Im not that girl. ET. Its not clear to what extent shes working with investigators, but her attorney, Christopher L. Brown, confirmed that she is indeed cooperating. When she watched the recording, she said, she recognized her niece, "You know your blood," Sparkle said. Singer Sparkle Responds To Her Niece Testifying In R Kelly's Trial Sparkle Net Worth | Celebrity Net Worth Sparkle prayed for her niece to one day tell the truth and shame the devil and for them to be a family again. 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. Sparkle's niece recently confronted something against her aunt and as a result, Sparkle claimed that her niece had lied about her. 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. She's being exposed to the world. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. Bop Shop: Songs From J-Hope And J. 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