Sparkle (Singer) Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images 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. Sparkle Net Worth | Celebrity Net Worth I wish they were backing [me] when I was coming up and had a story to tell, but nobody believed. Mar. Bop Shop: Songs From J-Hope And J. 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The woman claimed that Kelly agreed to serve as her godfather and that her parents had given their blessing. ", Sparkle wasn't the only witness to get emotional on the stand Thursday. In her traumatic account, she recalled her aunt introducing her to Kelly and encouraging her to build a close relationship with the now-disgraced singer. 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. 6 2019, Updated 5:51 a.m. 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. Sparkle Denies The Claims Made By Her Niece In Court--Says She Never She said this took place during a time when other members of her family also had a working relationship with the singer (Sparkle's brother-in-law, for instance, played guitar for Kelly, she said). Singer Sparkle's Allegations About R. Kelly And Her Niece In 'Surviving Sparkle testified that she then called a family meeting so her other relatives could see the tape for themselves. Sparkle did, however, testify against Kelly when he was on trial for child porn that featured her niece. 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. If convicted, Kelly would face the maximum of 195 years in prison. Aunt Of R Kelly Victim Accuses Her Of Lying On The Stand - Bossip 11 Songs. 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. "She's my niece. The woman who previously testified against Kelly in 2008 and was the one who brought the sex tapes to the victims parents knowledge says that she had the greatest of intentions when she spoke up against Kelly, but her life was made hell by the victims mother. The co-defendants in the case are Derrel McDavid, a former business manager who faces child pornography and obstruction charges, and Milton June Brown, Kellys former assistant, who faces one count of conspiracy to receive child pornography. Who, do you believe, is lying? Please say its not you., Takeoff Shot in Head and Torso, According to Coroner Report, Aaron Carter Pulled Over On Suspicion Of DUI While Driving RV. 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. In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. There's no denying it,' she says on the stand. Sparkles niece recently confronted something against her aunt and as a result, Sparkle claimed that her niece had lied about her. Sparkle prayed for her niece to one day tell the truth and shame the devil and for them to be a family again. The partnership between the two dissipated over creative differences, leading her to amicably ask for release from the label, according to MTV. At the time, Sparkle was largely ignored by the media. 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 Speaks Out Following Niece's Testimony, Singer Claims Niece Is Sparkle is best known for her 1998 R&B debut hit single 'Be Careful '. One of the disgraced singer's former artists has stepped forward to defend herself in the ongoing R. Kelly trial. Sparkle's niece who was 14 years old was alleged to be the young girl in the video tape that went viral on the streets before going viral was such a thing. 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. She shared that she feels these are lies organized by her sister as a method of sabotage. 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. 'Nobody Believed Me': Singer Sparkle Speaks on How She Warned About R The decision, many believe, ultimately resulted in the jury acquitting the singer. Sparkle was born Stephanie Edwards on May 13, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois. Advancing the culture and building bridges. Sparkle Claims Her Niece Lied About Her In R. Kelly Case - Thirsty for News Yes, Sparkle identified the 14-year-old as her sister's daughter and that the girl was engaging in filth with the Pied Piper of R&Pee. "Of course not. Nope, Sparkle didn't take a payout meanwhile R sending them on trips and paying for their houses. Profession: Singer. No," she said. What Ever Happened to: Sparkle | Soul In Stereo So I feel a responsibility for that also, although I'm not responsible for his actions, I feel responsible for even taking her there. A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). In this courtroom sketch, a woman who goes by pseudonym Jane, left, testifies in R. Kellys trial in federal court, Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, in Chicago. [He] cant tell me what I can and cant do. "Never. Singer Sparkle Responds To Her Niece Testifying In R Kelly's Trial Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places. CHICAGO -- "Sweetie, I'm not trying to get any money for this!". which debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. 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 . Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. In addition to child pornography, Kelly is facing state and federal charges of obstruction of justice, sexual assault and racketeering. 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. Sparkle prayed for her niece to one day tell the truth and shame the devil and for them to be a family again. black entertainment news, parenting tips and beauty secrets that are specifically for black women. Sparkle explains that she testified against Kelly in court, although he allegedly tried to bribe her. The woman disclosed that her aunt and her parents knew about her being around Kelly. BridgetEE: A Music and Entertainment blogger/ Historian / Global Grind Freelance Writer Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. It's very upsetting to my family. One of the first witnesses to take the stand this week was Kellys victim that was featured on the original sex tape that leaked. "She's like a robot." Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. There's no denying it. R. Kelly's ex-wife Drea and singer Sparkle react to his conviction I was ashamed.. Please say its not you., Sparkle replied, Absolutely NOT! Genson accused Sparkle of being bitter and characterized the end of her working relationship with Kelly as a firing. Celebrate (From "Sparkle") Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks. Genson suggested that Sparkle next tried to conspire with former Kelly manager Barry Hankerson "about doing something bad to Robert. In the meantime, Kelly has hired private investigator Jack Palladino to help build his defense, Palladino's office confirmed. In the old video footage, Kelly can be seen engaging in sex acts with the young girl, whom he also urinates on. This can't be real, can it? : r/awfuleverything - reddit Sparkle met singer R. Kelly in 1989. Update: Sparkle Calls Her Niece's Claims in R. Kelly's Trial an While the survivors have now found justice, Sparkle said she still feels guilty for introducing her niece to Kelly in 1997. The prosecution has not responded to the claim. "I wanted this to go away. "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]." Sparkle said that she regrets not being a better protector of her niece. Sparkle's age is 47. Sparkle testified against Kelly in 2008 but, as we all know, he was found not guilty. Sparkle went on to sign with Motown Records and released a second album, titled "Told You So," in 2000. Sparkle the Singer Niece - Search - chipnation.org Home. Aunt Of R. Kelly's Victim Denies Telling Then 14-Year-Old To Rub Singer Stephanie Edwards made a statement to the New York Times: Music Videos. 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. 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 . She was my heart.". R. Kelly: Singer Sparkle Denies Telling 14-Y-O Niece To Rub Singer's 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.. Trivia If convicted, he'd have to register as a sex offender. 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. "We were thick as thieves," Sparkle said of the family's closeness before the meeting. 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. Are you the aunt who had that child rub R. Kellys head? Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei) Instagram photos and videos In "Surviving R. Kelly," Edwards discusses Kelly's behavior toward her while they worked together. I know them. Fast forwarding to now, R Kelly pretty much got a life sentence plus he still has more charges to face. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! His whole M.O., he stated this to me not long ago, is he likes them when they are ripe and young because he can mold them into what he wants them to be and control their minds and make them do what women 'should' do. ET. Bossip Comment Policy All Rights Reserved. But now people are seeing.". ), "I watched a few seconds of it, and I refused to watch the rest," Adra Gengler testified. Source: Chicago Tribune / Getty Earlier this week, the disgraced singer and his legal team appeared in a Chicago court, where Kelly faces several criminal charges. Sparkle Live Music (@sparklelivemusic) Instagram photos and videos sparklelivemusic 731 posts 1,870 followers 467 following Sparkle Live Music Musician/band We play your dream music soundtrack Put a Sparkle in your big day. 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. Sparkle Has Been Waiting 20 Years For This Verdict - "Her niece's (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.) Sparkle (2012) - IMDb 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. She said there was no bitterness between her and Kelly over the split: "He was my homeboy. Genson pointed out that the girl is seen receiving money on the tape. In @nytimes Feat. Blog. She admits that some things went down but now she is saying her aunt encouraged it. Its no secret the original R Kelly having relations with a minor (allegedly) video was all over the streets on VHS. It's so very sad.". Ivie is a Nigerian-American, native New Yorker, and journalist covering, Report: R. Kellys Former Staffers Gave Feds 20 More Sex Tapes with Minors, R. Kelly Sentenced to 20 Years For Child Sex Crimes, R. Kelly Silenced Aaliyah & Her Family With Non-Disclosure Agreement After 1995 Marriage Annulment, Watch the Trailer For Surviving R. Kelly Part III: The Final Chapter. ", Genson then made a comment about the girl on the tape looking like a willing participant. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. because you deserve it! Sparkle has openly confronted the fact that her niece has lied about her in court. But I didnt know that a bomb was coming.. He is accused of perpetrating these acts against 12 women, at least eight of which were underage at the time he was sexually involved with them. 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 niece is still with R kelly - YouTube ", Sparkle said that she regrets not being a better protector of her niece. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois and first met Kelly in 1989. It's messed up. 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. PredIQtion Markets. At the time, Sparkle identified the child in the video as her niece. 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!! She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. For full coverage of the ongoing R. Kelly case, see The R. Kelly Trial Reports. Sparkle was horrified when she discovered that it was her niece at the center of Kelly's 2002 child pornography indictment. 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]). . When she watched the recording, she said, she recognized her niece, "You know your blood," Sparkle said. What do you think about the matter? Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, a recording artist as well, was born on May 13, 1975. "You have no idea whether this was put together by someone trying to get money from Robert, do you?" Like she said on "Surviving R. Kelly," Sparkle reiterated that she was naive at the . Sparkle's Niece Reshona Lanfair Finally Comes Forward Against R Kelly MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 'You just know your family. Knowing that theres no right answer to explain their ongoing actions and years of support for Robert once learning about that tape, the clear plan is to try and take me down because Ive been so vocal, she explained. Kelly would ultimately be acquitted on charges pertaining to the tape. But things have changed since 2008. Sparkle also heard the news of her niece's testimony and took to Instagram to discuss the allegations. 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. 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. Singer Sparkle, who formerly recorded with Kelly, says Landfair is her niece. 5 Infamous Murder Cases Involving Athletes, Deadly Day for Rappers XXXTentacion and Wopo. We were still cool." R. Kelly was later acquitted of all charges. TikTok video from Samke Ndlovu INdlovu (@samkeindlovukaz): "#Aunty and Niece Challenge ". Sparkle Addresses Niece's Testimony Against R. Kelly - VIBE.com "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. MadameNoire is a sophisticated lifestyle publication that gives African-American women the latest in fashion trends, Sparkle says she became suspicious of R. Kelly's involvement with her teenage niece in 2001. The victims aunt is a singer named Sparkle, who agreed to testify in the 2008 trial and identified Kelly as the man in the video and her niece as the girl. Sparkle first started singing in her family's gospel music group. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Trust me.". She added that there is a family feud, and the victims testimony is a clear plan to try to take her down.. The federal charges are separate from the 10 counts of sexual abuse Kelly received in February in Chicago and different from the other 11- sexual misconduct counts he was slapped with in May in that same city. Reshonda Landfair | Aisha Music Stephanie 'Sparkle' Edwards Although she praised her niece for finally cooperating with prosecutors, the singer says that she is at the center of a "family feud." In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. 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. "I'm beyond pleased to finally hear the mountain I've tirelessly worked on moving over the. According to reports, Sparkle was allegedly suggested by the niece. That's it.". "I know my family. Its not clear to what extent shes working with investigators, but her attorney, Christopher L. Brown, confirmed that she is indeed cooperating. Recording artist Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards accused R. Kelly of having sex with her 14-year-old niece at his 2008 trial. I believe that [the police] have a lot that they are actually going to bring to light.". Robert didnt allow pretty much anyone to speak to me, Edwards alleges in the new show. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. In the 1960s, three sisters form a girl group and soon become local sensations with major label interest, but fame becomes a challenge as the close-knit family begins to fall apart. Sparkle, Once R. Kelly's Protge, May Testify Against Him. Again. 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. What is the relationship between the two singers? Sparkle (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Apple Music Here's Where to Find the Best Corned Beef in Cleveland! Sparkle explained that this is a result of a "family feud," which has led to her being a target of lies from her niece, who Sparkle feels lied about her on the stand out of loyalty to her mother. 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. 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. People are trying to make money off my music and my name in a very, very negative way. "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. Her testimony sliced her family into factions, relegating her to years of . She said that his acquittal then affected her view of the #MeToo movement a decade later. [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. It's very upsetting. Fourteen witnesses had identified the girl in the video during the 20018 trial, but she and members of her family did not testify. Singer Sparkle Reacts to Claims That She Allowed R. Kelly to - EURweb 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. There are a lot of people who are very jealous of me right now and they're trying to destroy me.". Sparkle, first woman to publicly accuse R. Kelly, on - CBS News Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Heres Why. #SomeoneWhoLovesMusicWayTooMuch Singer who came to prominence in the late 90s through her collaborations with R. Kelly. R. Kellys new case may end differently than his last. "I have an ex-manager that's been on my back," he said. Modern Movie Musical Essentials. 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. Earlier this week, the disgraced singer and his legal team appeared in a Chicago court, where Kelly faces several criminal charges. Last week, Kellywas arrested for an additional 13 counts of federal sex trafficking and child pornography charges. Kelly faces 14 counts of child pornography -- seven for directing, seven for producing. I'm happy to see the #MeToo movement and Time's Up movement are backing these women. Her family would rather keep the matter quiet, she said, even if that means protecting an alleged predator. 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. She eventually became a key witness in Kelly's 2008 child pornography case, claiming that the young girl in the video in question was her 14-year-old niece. Stephanie Edwards | Aisha Music
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