R&B singer-songwriter R. Kelly’s financial troubles have reached a new low after being behind bars for the last few years.
Despite once having a net worth of around $100 million at the peak of his career, Kelly’s estimated net worth has now plummeted to minus $2 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
The controversial artist’s downfall began in 2019 when the bombshell documentary “Surviving R. Kelly” aired, shedding light on the dark world of the convicted criminal.
The documentary is set to resurface on TV screens in the UK tonight, bringing back the spotlight on Kelly’s heinous crimes.
Over the years, Kelly has faced numerous sex crime accusations, with some being dismissed and others leading to his incarceration. From a lawsuit filed by teenager Tiffany Hawkins in 1996 for ‘inappropriate sexual conduct’ to more recent charges of child pornography, kidnapping, and forced labor, Kelly’s reputation has been tarnished beyond repair.
In 2021, Kelly was found guilty on nine charges and sentenced to 30 years in prison. In 2022, he faced a second trial and was once again found guilty of sexually abusing his 14-year-old goddaughter and engaging in sexual misconduct with two other minors. This led to a 20-year sentence for the disgraced star.
Even financially, Kelly’s situation is dire. While at one point his music catalogue was rumored to be worth up to $21 million, the value has significantly dropped since his arrest in 2019. Attempts to sell off his music rights have been unsuccessful, with radio airplay and public support for his music plummeting.
Despite his fall from grace, R. Kelly was once a prominent figure in the R&B genre, known for hits like “Step in the Name of Love,” “Bump n’ Grind,” and “I Believe I Can Fly.” However, his music is now shunned in public, and his legacy tainted by his criminal actions.
The documentary “Surviving R. Kelly” continues to shed light on the horrors of the singer’s past, airing tonight on Channel 4 in the UK. The documentary features testimonies from alleged victims and played a crucial role in Kelly’s arrest. Sexual assault helplines and support services are available for those affected by the powerful series and for survivors of sexual abuse and assault. Remember, it is never too late to speak up and seek help.
