R Kelly has denied allegations that he is holding young women in an “abusive cult” and he has vowed to go after his accusers.
“Robert Kelly is both alarmed and disturbed at the recent revelations attributed to him,” said his lawyer Linda Mensch in a statement.
“Mr. Kelly unequivocally denies such allegations.”
A report on BuzzFeed claims Kelly, 50, brainwashed several young women and is controlling their lives. Three sets of parents allege that Kelly dictates what their daughters can wear and eat as well as when they can bathe and sleep.
The parents claim their daughters – all legal age – are told what to do during sexual encounters that Kelly videotapes. Sources close to the "Trapped in the Closet" singer reportedly told BuzzFeed that the women are punished verbally and physically if they do not follow rules.
The family of Joycelyn Savage held a press conference on Monday to repeat the allegations.
Savage told TMZ: “I’m in a happy place in my life. I’m not being brainwashed. I am totally fine. Everything is OK with me.” But, asked if she was free to leave her current location, Savage declined to answer.
No criminal charges have been filed against Kelly.
Mensch said Kelly will work "diligently and forcibly to pursue his accusers and clear his name".
Mensch’s statement added: “We can only wonder why folks would persist in defaming a great artist who loves his fans, works 24/7, and takes care of all of the people in his life. He works hard to become the best person and artist he can be. It is interesting that stories and tales debunked many years ago turn up when his goal is to stop the violence; put down the guns; and embrace peace and love. I suppose that is the price of fame. Like all of us, Mr. Kelly deserves a personal life. Please respect that.”
In 2008, Kelly was acquitted of child pornography charges after a videotape surfaced allegedly showing him engaged in sex with, and urinating on, a 14-year-old girl. In 1994, Kelly reportedly married singer Aaliyah, who was 15 at the time. A court later annulled the marriage, which Kelly denied ever took place.
BuzzFeed said it is standing by its report. Writer Jim DeRogatis told Slate that two of the women — Savage and an 18-year-old from Florida — are “incredibly talented young singers.”