MadameNoire is a sophisticated lifestyle publication that gives African-American women the latest in fashion trends, In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places. I'm happy to see the #MeToo movement and Time's Up movement are backing these women. In a contentious court battle, Edwards testified against Kelly in 2008, according to ET Online. Sparkle (singer) - Wikipedia Kelly faces 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. What is the relationship between the two singers? "It's hurtful to my sister, to my brother-in-law and to my niece, especially, because it's all her. 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. "I know my family. 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]). ", More cases against R. Kelly will come forward, Sparkle predicted, if they don't settle out of court first. Prosecutors say he victimized 12 women, at least eight of whom were underage at the time of the events. He has pleaded not guilty. 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. Sparkle met singer R. Kelly in 1989. What, exactly, is the relationship between Kelly and Sparkle, and what are the claims being made against the infamous artist? Singer Sparkle, who formerly recorded with Kelly, says Landfair is her niece. Last week in court R. Kelly's original case, Sparkles niece at 30 plus years took the stand to testify. 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. 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. 2 on the R&B charts and was certified gold soon after . "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. In the meantime, Kelly has hired private investigator Jack Palladino to help build his defense, Palladino's office confirmed. "Of course not. For the past 20 years, Sparkle, whose real name is Stephanie Edwards, has been trying to convince the world that Kelly sexually abused her teenage niece. Sparkle Calls Her Niece a Liar - Rhymes With Snitch 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. When I learned that, I would go out of my way to speak to people just to tick him off. During an Instagram broadcast, she decided to put a few things in context.. "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. Before Fame. The Times. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. It's messed up. As news of Janes testimony went public, Sparkle took to social media to refute the claims. Sparkle: Directed by Salim Akil. I know them. Stephanie Edwards made a statement to the New York Times: 2023 Vibe Media, LLC. She was my heart.". Modern Movie Musical Essentials. I cant help he lies told on me & under oath at the.. & cause ya Momma mad at me cause yall were FORCED to testify.. [shrug emoji]. put a few things in context,. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! "We've had contact all along with the girl's family," Chicago police spokesperson Officer Pat Camden said. Sparkle (Singer) Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images (Several other people have also identified the girl and Kelly on the tape during testimony. 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. Singer Sparkle Reacts to Claims That She Allowed R. Kelly to - EURweb R. Kelly's Former Backup Dancer, Sparkle, Slams His Interview With 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, the girl in the picture and a few others confirmed it was said niece, but the rest of the nieces family said it was . Sparkle has responded in a video (see below) to her nieces testimony: Absolutely NOT!! I went at it alone. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. 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. "Sir, it's Robert and [my niece] on the tape," she said during the emotional trial, according to MTV. Sparkle is best known for her 1998 R&B debut hit single 'Be Careful '. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! All Rights Reserved. But after R. and I parted ways, it was me not watching over her. About. PredIQtion Markets. In 2002, the singer Sparkle, whose real name is Stephanie Edwards, claimed her niece was the underage girl in an infamous sex video featuring R. Kelly. Chrisean Rock Announces Blueface Made It Official With Her 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. Sparkle first introduced her then-12-year-old niece to Kelly in 1997 a decision that still haunts her to this day. Sparkle first started singing in her family's gospel music group. "Sparkle" featured a duet with Kelly, titled "Be Careful.". Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. She. Whats your take on it? Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. "I have an ex-manager that's been on my back," he said. Singer Sparkle Denies Her Niece's Claims That She Introduced Her To R On Friday, Sparkle took to social media to denounce some of the claims made by her niece on the stand. "But until our investigation is complete, we can't confirm or deny that [Sparkle is the girl's aunt]. People are trying to make money off my music and my name in a very, very negative way. But things have changed since 2008. Genson accused Sparkle of being bitter and characterized the end of her working relationship with Kelly as a firing. Sparkle claimed that her niece met Kelly when she was 12. I've been blackmailed for the last four years, and I didn't give in, and I'm still not gonna give in. But now people are seeing.". Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. Black Women Around R. Kelly's Trial React to His Conviction - The New 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. Absolutely NOT! 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 . 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. At the time, Sparkle was largely ignored by the media. "I'm beyond pleased to finally hear the mountain I've tirelessly worked on moving over the. With Philip Michael Thomas, Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith. 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. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. Girl In Alleged R. Kelly Tape Said To Be 14-Year-Old Niece Of Singer No -- it was part of a shouting match during a contentious cross-examination between R. Kelly's defense attorney Ed Genson and the prosecution's star witness, Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards. 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. According to reports, Sparkle was allegedly suggested by the niece. Sparkle stated that her niece was "doing the will of her mom," who she says has allegiance to R. Kelly. Career. Close Menu. Sparkle talked about her niece working with the feds and said she couldnt be more thrilled about it. Our societys awareness and understanding of sexual assault has increased while Kellys funds have dwindled. That's it.". Trust me. "It's crazy and torn up, in every way imaginable," she said. 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. Its no secret the original R Kelly having relations with a minor (allegedly) video was all over the streets on VHS. Still, she admitted, she hadn't had the same level of success on her sophomore album with Motown as she did with her Kelly-produced debut, and she hadn't received any royalties from Kelly. But in 2001, when she actually witnessed the tape herself, she didn't hesitate to call. 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. Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Kelly has been charged with multiple sex crimes involving four women, three of whom were underage at the time of the alleged encounters. Will No Longer Be Pursuing These Indictments: Chicago Prosecutor Drops Sex-Abuse Charges Against Singer R. Kelly Months After Conviction. . Sparkle, however, disputed the witness account after a social media user questioned her about it. As of now, Sparkles niece and her attorney have yet to respond to Sparkles claim she lied on the stand. Sparkle - Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays MadameNoire Copyright 2023 BossipMadameNoire, LLC All Rights Reserved | BHM Digital, a federal indictment, of paying the girl and her father to lie to investigators. EXPOSED: PROOF Sparkle PIMPED Her Niece To R Kelly!| Andrea Kelly & Lisa VA Have S E X Tape! 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. @lifetimetv SRK For Girls/Women linktr.ee/isparklei Posts Reels Videos Tagged It's very upsetting. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Singer Sparkle Denies Niece's Testimony That She Brought Her To R She began her career in 1998 as a protg of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. 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 . Please say its not you., Sparkle replied, Absolutely NOT! Kelly faces 14 counts of child pornography -- seven for directing, seven for producing. Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei) Instagram photos and videos ", Sparkle wasn't the only witness to get emotional on the stand Thursday. It's very upsetting to my family. If convicted, Kelly would face the maximum of 195 years in prison. Picture Perfect Poster Girl: Taylour Paige Stars As "Boogie's" Leading Lady, UPDATE: Jesseca Dupart Denies That LisaRaye Found Out About Da Brat's Pregnancy Via Social Media, Your Weekly Helping Of Tidday Meats & Treats On The Gram, Cougar Chronicles! Im beyond pleased to finally hear the mountain Ive tirelessly worked on moving over the years is now being assisted with the help of my niece and her parents, she told The New York Times on Tuesday. But let me chill. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois and first met Kelly in 1989. 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. "Never. Featured On. I wish they were backing [me] when I was coming up and had a story to tell, but nobody believed. Nope, Sparkle didn't take a payout meanwhile R sending them on trips and paying for their houses. The long-running criminal case of R. Kelly consistently takes strange turns that leaves fans perplexed and for which the case becomes more complicated. Sparkle's Niece Now Working With Authorities In R. Kelly Case #SomeoneWhoLovesMusicWayTooMuch She added that there is a family feud, and the victims testimony is a clear plan to try to take her down.. Singer Sparkle was the only member from the girl's family to testify against Kelly in 2008, identifying her niece in the tape. 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. Though Kelly has talked to local Chicago media about the scandal, he hasn't addressed a lot of the questions people have about the tapes. Sparkle added that she and Kelly were never romantically involved as painted by the victim. 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. Sound it in the comments. Sparkle (2012) - IMDb What Ever Happened to: Sparkle | Soul In Stereo 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 court, Sparkles now-37-year-old victim niece told the court R Kelly starting having sex with her when she was only 14, claiming they had sex hundreds of times before she turned 18. Sparkle Denies Niece's 'Lies' in R. Kelly Trial Testimony - The Cut The young girl who was recorded in the infamous and wide-spread tape of R. Kelly engaging in sexual acts is going back on years of precedence and cooperating with investigators in the child pornography case against the R&B singer. Sign up to receive The Atlanta Black Star Newsletter in your inbox. Sparkle Speaks Out Following Niece's Testimony, Singer Claims Niece Is "She shared how she didn't see me as a survivor but she wanted to celebrate me for being the first one to stand up and bring to light what was going [on].". 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. 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. In @nytimes Feat. In addition to child pornography, Kelly is facing state and federal charges of obstruction of justice, sexual assault and racketeering. In "Surviving R. Kelly," Edwards discusses Kelly's behavior toward her while they worked together. A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei). 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. 6 2019, Updated 5:51 a.m. Her family eventually began to allow her to visit with Kelly without an adult present. Here's Where to Find the Best Corned Beef in Cleveland! Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! While the survivors have now found justice, Sparkle said she still feels guilty for introducing her niece to Kelly in 1997. 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. 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. Stephanie Edwards (born May 13, 1975), better known by her stage name Sparkle, is an American R&B singer. advice and career trends - and MadameNoire provides all of that. Advancing the culture and building bridges. Chicago police have not charged Kelly, and will only say that their investigation is continuing. No," she said. R. Kelly's ex-wife Drea and singer Sparkle react to his conviction 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 . Drama! Sparkle Denies Niece's Testimony That She Brought Her to R Its impact cannot be overstated and a month later, Kelly was facing new charges in Chicago. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail. Trivia 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. If you are in your 40s you have seen the video (whether you want to admit it or not). 8771 1829 linktr.ee/sparklelivemusic Posts Reels Tagged Show More Posts from sparklelivemusic "Hampton spoke to me and spoke to my management," Edwards continued. Music Videos. Singer Sparkle found herself in the middle of R. Kellys federal child pornography trial. For full coverage of R. Kelly, see "The R. Kelly Reports.". Sparkle also heard the news of her niece's testimony and took to Instagram to discuss the allegations. R&B Singer Sparkle, Who Spoke Out Against R. Kelly Decades Ago At the time, she and her family denied her appearance in the video and refused to testify. Sparkle: Directed by Sam O'Steen. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. he asked. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! because you deserve it! Sparkle (1976) - IMDb 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. Sparkle Shares What Was Left Out Of "Surviving R. Kelly" - MadameNoire Of course Im in full unwavering support of them and their act of courage.. Report: Then-14-Year-Old in R. Kelly's Sexual Assault Tape Is Now seek information on a wide variety of topics including African-American hair care, health issues, relationship Without Wayne Shorters Weather Report, Jazz Rap Wouldnt Be What It Is, Fans Are Overjoyed to See De La Soul Albums on DSPs, 9 New Hip-Hop & R&B Albums You Should Be Listening To (Week of March 3), Larry June & The Alchemist Announce Joint Album The Great Escape. Whats The Deal With This R. Kelly Album That Dropped? Years ago, Kelly was accused of abusing Sparkles niece, but during Kellys current trial, the niece claimed that Sparkle encouraged the interactions. According to a report in The New York Times, the young girl who appeared in the infamous tape that showed the R&B singer performing sex acts and urinating on the then-14-year-old is now cooperating with prosecutors. "I know my family. Whitten Sabbatini for . 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. The decision, many believe, ultimately resulted in the jury acquitting the singer. I also did not want that person to be me, Jane testified. I was ashamed.. | Follow on Twitter: @BridgetEE and IG: @Bridgetee26, Source: MadameNoire.com/iOne Digital / MadameNoire. One of the disgraced singers former artists has stepped forward to defend herself in the ongoing R. Kelly trial. She says "There have been too many girls to count. 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. She previously told the Cut that, when Kelly was producing her first album in the late '90s, she thought the singer could also help her niece, an aspiring rapper, launch a career. Kelly is now facing state and federal charges including sexual assault, obstruction of justice, child pornography, and racketeering. 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 watched a few seconds of it, and I refused to watch the rest," Adra Gengler testified. She also attested to having sexual encounters with the singer hundreds of times since the age of 14. 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..