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Part I – Surviving R. Kelly

Play trailer Poster for Part I – Surviving R. Kelly Jan 2019 Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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95% Tomatometer 22 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
This documentary series reveals young women emerging from the shadows and uniting their voices against singer R. Kelly. Celebrated as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time, R. Kelly's career has been plagued with rumors of abuse, pedophilia, and predatory behavior toward women. Now, survivors are stepping forward to detail new allegations about his physical, mental, and sexual abuse. More than 50 interviews with those who include civil rights activist Tarana Burke, musicians John Legend and Sparkle, talk show host Wendy Williams, and R. Kelly's family members shed light on the singer's controversial past.
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Surviving R. Kelly — Part I

Surviving R. Kelly — Part I

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Critics Consensus

By unearthing previously suppressed histories, Surviving R. Kelly exposes the dangers of enabling predatory behavior and gives necessary voice to its survivors.

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Critics Reviews

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Olivia B. Waxman TIME Magazine 09/19/2024
While true crime documentaries often focus on white victims, this doc amplifies the perspectives of Black women. Go to Full Review
Lucy Mangan Guardian 03/07/2019
3/5
As a programme, Surviving R Kelly is deeply flawed. At best, it treads a fine line between attesting to the apparent pain of those taking part and exploiting it - and often gives in to temptation. Go to Full Review
Sonia Saraiya Vanity Fair 01/10/2019
Bit by bit the stories of the participants become spellbinding, as each word adds to a vivid portrait. In a way, it is a symphony; each voice is an instrument. Go to Full Review
Jonita Davis Black Girl Nerds 03/07/2019
4/5
The series did stumble a bit in trying to be unbiased and show all sides, but it rebounded once such thinking was abandoned in the third hour. Go to Full Review
Korey Coleman Double Toasted 01/11/2019
There are moments where they sit back and they say, but we do have to look at the full picture... just a reminder, there's more there... and I admire that. Go to Full Review
Jenni Moore The Stranger (Seattle, WA) 01/10/2019
It is an important and powerful watch, providing an opportunity for R. Kelly's alleged victims to share their horrific experiences of abuse. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Gabriel M @Anonymous12 May 19 I'm deeply disturbed by the atrocities committed by R. Kelly, and my heart goes out to his victims. The docuseries "Surviving R. Kelly" is a crucial watch, shedding light on the heinous crimes he got away with for far too long. It's appalling that he was acquitted in 2008 and protected by his fame and influence. R. Kelly's actions are indefensible, and his music is a stark contrast to his claimed Christianity. His lyrics glorify his twisted desires, revealing a sinister mind. He's a master manipulator who refuses to take responsibility for his actions, blaming others instead. What's equally disturbing is the blind support from his fans, who can't separate the art from the artist. They're enabling a child molester by defending him and his music. It's time to hold him accountable and erase his music from existence. The docuseries is a testament to the bravery of his victims and a call to action against sexual predators. R. Kelly deserves to spend the rest of his life in jail, and his fans need to wake up to the truth. Mental help is necessary for both him and his devotees, who can't see the evil they're supporting. "Surviving R. Kelly" is a must-watch, and I applaud the creators for exposing the truth. See more Tiago S 03/20/2022 É complicado analisar documentário, pelo menos pra mim por causa da veracidade que está disposta nessa pequena série de relatos, conta o abuso sexual que as vítimas relatam ter sofrido quando eram menores de idade, isso além de ter uma sextape dele vazada, todas as provas estando por aí mas no entanto parecia que a maioria das pessoas eram cegas a tudo isso incluindo os depoimentos, pois na época ele estava fazendo sucesso enorme com a 'Ignition' que até ganhou remix, então se via a gravadora segurando as pontas e passando pano para o cantor. Primeiro de tudo, foram não só uma mas inúmeras mulheres que disseram ter sofrido muito na mão dele, o que eu vi foi que o tal R. Kelly era um grande hipnotizador que fazia qualquer uma pessoa ficar contra todos só para ser uma refém em sua casa, que as condições não eram entre as melhores para as garotas, dentre outros absurdos que esse homem causou as mulheres, o documentário conseguiu fazer que muitos ficassem chocados com essa realidade. Além de outros que vão contra tudo isso os famosos 'fãs', mas cada um segue o que é melhor para a sua mente, o fato é que mostra até um vídeo da mãe tentando resgatar a filha, e aos prantos ela não sabe o que fazer, mas no fim dá tudo certo, porém não são todas que são salvas, algumas ficaram até desaparecidas. Enfim, foi necessário o documentário para desmascarar esse pavoroso cantor, que talento tinha mas a impunidade não podia continuar e foi ótimo que a justiça foi feita, mas a inocência de garotas uma vez roubada nunca mais poderia ser recuperada, mas que depois de tanto tempo a justiça tardou mas veio. See more 11/29/2020 Relationship to truth: we are in the vicinity of, the law. I would probably pass. Or say, the care-worn wisdom, that one needs evidence. I don't know, in short. Description: chronology of a man, going on a spree with his penis. Reaction: harrowing. Going through "Hell"- keep going, springs to mind. Thanks. See more George M 09/30/2019 This wasn't easy to watch. I think the most convincing thing about this documentary was the argument that he was just hiding in plain sight. If you were a fan of the R., like me, you're gonna think "how did I not see this shit?" I don't think the girls are liars, and I think it's worth watching because it shows how our culture will just excuse seriously disturbing behavior because of the privilege of fame. The only problem is that the R.'s songs are still bumpin', so you don't know whether to watch this thing and vomit or go back and listen to his remixes. His plays on streaming/Spotify rose after this came out. See more 09/24/2019 I'm watching the fourth episode . I've got to warn you, this is VERY hard to watch . It's very repetitious, and the details are disgusting. I believe R. Kelly is almost certainly guilty. It's hard to believe how many people covered for this guy . I'm (kind of ) glad I saw it. See more 07/27/2019 Exposes the horrendous crimes of R Kelly and gives a perfect timeline. Must see for everyone, especially parents. See more Read all reviews
Surviving R. Kelly — Part I

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 3, 2019 The Pied Piper of R&B As singer R. Kelly rises to fame and power as a rhythm and blues icon, he forms relationships with younger singers and dancers; rumors about his marriage to a 15-year-old Aaliyah do little to stop his meteoric trajectory. Details Episode 2 Aired Jan 3, 2019 Hiding in Plain Sight After his marriage to Aaliyah is annulled, R. Kelly continues to soar on top of the charts; a talented choreographer becomes the new Mrs. Kelly in a secret ceremony. Details Episode 3 Aired Jan 4, 2019 Sex Tape Scandal As journalists uncover a trail of lawsuits and confidential settlements concerning underage girls, an underground sex tape emerges that puts R. Kelly in a compromising position. Details Episode 4 Aired Jan 4, 2019 The People vs. R. Kelly R. Kelly goes to trial in Chicago on multiple counts of child pornography for his alleged participation in a sex tape involving a minor. Details Episode 5 Aired Jan 5, 2019 All the Missing Girls Parents of girls in R. Kelly's camp accuse him of keeping them psychologically and sexually imprisoned; one mother fights to get her daughter back, and wins. Details Episode 6 Aired Jan 5, 2019 Black Girls Matter As other major public figures fall from grace, women's groups come forward to take aim against the sexually brazen superstar. Details
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Season Info

Executive Producer
Brie Miranda Bryant
Screenwriter
Astral Finnie, Nigel Bellis, B. Mark Seabrooks
Network
Lifetime
Rating
TV-14 (D|L)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jan 3, 2019