John Legend was reportedly one of only two musicians to appear in Lifetime’s new docuseries, Surviving R. Kelly, which premiered on Thursday (Jan. 3). While reports claimed many other artists who were asked to participate in the series wanted to steer clear of the controversy, Legend stated that it was a no-brainer for him.
The R&B crooner addressed his appearance in the docuseries in a message on Twitter. “To everyone telling me how courageous I am for appearing in the doc, it didn’t feel risky at all,” he tweeted as the first episode aired. “I believe these women and don’t give a f**k about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision.”
He also suggested fans show love to executive-producer and show-runner of the series, dream hampton, for her hard work. “These survivors deserved to be lifted up and heard. I hope it gets them closer to some kind of justice,” he continued.
As previously reported, dream hampton revealed that she had contacted a handful of musicians to appear in the docuseries, including Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, and Questlove, but they all declined. Following the report, Questlove spoke up about his decision, stating that he “didn’t wanna be in the ‘good times’ portion of the doc, like stanning for his ‘genius.'”
Surviving R. Kelly continues on Jan. 4, at 9/8C on Lifetime. Check out John Legend’s full comments on the series below.
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
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