A music documentary that has inspired headlines and conversation like no other, Surviving R Kelly is finally available to watch in the UK.
The exposé of the famed R&B star’s alleged sexual and physical abuse has fast become one of 2019’s biggest talking points, leading to widespread condemnation of Kelly from across the cultural sphere. Kelly strongly denies all allegations.
The six-part documentary features interviews and testimonials from numerous victims, staff members of Kelly’s, and other celebrities, and seeks to shine a light on the long-storied allegations of sexual impropriety and physical and emotional abuse that have dogged Kelly’s career.
When is Surviving R Kelly aired in the UK?
If you are UK-based, the Surviving R Kelly documentary premiered on the Crime + Investigation channel on February 5. The first two parts of the six-part series were aired as part of the premiere.
The remaining four episodes will air in two more double-bill instalments, at 10pm on Tuesday evenings via Crime + Investigation.
How to watch Surviving R Kelly in the UK
Crime + Investigation is the sister channel of Lifetime, the production house which initially aired the controversial documentary in the USA.
Sky TV customers can find Crime + Investigation on channel 156 or via Sky Go on desktop or tablet.
Subscribers to BT TV can watch Crime + Investigation on channel 328, while Virgin TV customers can find it on channel 275. TalkTalk TV houses Crime + Investigation under channel 328.
How to watch Surviving R Kelly in the USA
If you are USA-based, Surviving R Kelly can be watched via catch-up on the Mylifetime website.
What does Surviving R Kelly detail?
Surviving R Kelly is a chronological account of R Kelly’s career, documenting in particular detail his relationships with young singers and dancers, many of whom were below the age of consent when they began relationships with Kelly.
Particular focus is granted to Kelly’s romantic involvement with the late R&B star Aaliyah, who was just 15 at the time she and Kelly allegedly wed. Aaliyah tragically died at the age of 22 in a plane crash.
Who speaks out in Surviving R Kelly?
Among the high-profile interviewees in the documentary series are #MeToo founder Tarana Burke and singer John Legend, who has since stated: “To everyone telling me how courageous I am for appearing in the doc, it didn’t feel risky at all. I believe these women and don’t give a fuck about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision.”
To everyone telling me how courageous I am for appearing in the doc, it didn't feel risky at all. I believe these women and don't give a fuck about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 4, 2019
Elsewhere, the documentary details the numerous lawsuits against Kelly, including his infamous trial in Chicago, which saw him charged with multiple counts of child pornography for his alleged participation in a sex tape with a minor. Kelly was found not guilty on all counts, due to lack of evidence of the involved girl’s age.
R Kelly has vehemently denied all charges and allegations brought against him for many years. Kelly’s lawyer has threatened legal action against the producers of Surviving R Kelly.