Lifetime is following up on the documentary special that changed the conversation around disgraced singer R. Kelly. Journalist Soledad O’Brien will host “Surviving R. Kelly: The Impact,” a new installment that highlights the impact the original documentary had on culture globally, how it has elevated the conversation on sexual violence and what it means to be a survivor.
Immediately following the debut of “Surviving R. Kelly” in January, which has now been seen by 26 million viewers, a public outcry from social media demanded survivors be heard. Activists campaigning to #MuteRKelly successfully convinced his long-time record label, Sony’s RCA Records, to drop him as a client. And weeks later, the Cook County attorney’s office indicted Kelly on 10 felony counts of aggravated sexual assault, for which he was later arrested.
Featuring footage from “Surviving R. Kelly,” interviews with journalists, legal experts, non-profit organizations and psychologists, the new special offers an in-depth look at Kelly’s interview with Gayle King and considers the women who continue to stand by the embattled artist.
The new special is produced by Peacock Productions for Lifetime, with Elizabeth Waller as executive producer. The original special was executive produced by activist dream hampton, Tamra Simmons, Joel Karsberg and Jesse Daniels for Kreativ Inc. under its production deal with Bunim/Murray Productions and Brie Miranda Bryant from Lifetime.
“Surviving R. Kelly: The Impact” airs May 4 at 10/9c on Lifetime.