Sony Music and R. Kelly Part Ways as Singer Dropped by Label: Reports
In the wake of the massive backlash against R. Kelly, the singer has reportedly been dropped by Sony Music, his longtime record label.
Billboard broke the news that Kelly and Sony were parting ways, citing several sources.
A source told Variety that although Sony decided to drop Kelly, 52, from its roster of artists, they do not currently have plans to make a public announcement about it.
PEOPLE confirms Kelly has also been removed from a list of artists signed to RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony, which Kelly has been signed to since 2012.
Kelly’s catalogue will continue to remain with RCA/Sony, according to Variety. The singer’s latest release was the 2016 holiday album, 12 Nights of Christmas.
Sony Music and RCA Records did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for comment. When reached, Kelly’s lawyer Steve Greenberg told PEOPLE, “I am not involved in this matter and have absolutely no knowledge about it.”
RELATED: New Accuser Alleges R. Kelly Kissed Her as a Teen as Former Manager Surrenders to Threats Warrant
The reports come as another woman has come forward to accuse Kelly of sexual abuse in the wake of the bombshell Lifetime docuseries Surviving R. Kelly, which aired earlier this month.
“I was in love with him. I just didn’t know what to do,” Tracy Sampson told NBC News’ Dateline in a preview clip for the interview, which airs in full on Friday night.
Sampson said that her relationship with Kelly began when she was a 16-year-old intern at Epic Records in 1999, and that she ended things with the singer when she turned 18, accusing him of sexual abuse.
During the interview, Sampson went on to recall one alleged incident, in which Kelly asked to kiss her — a request she said she refused. “He’s like, ‘Okay, well, give me a hug.’ And then, like, when I gave him a hug he just started kissing me.”
RELATED VIDEO: Lawyer for R. Kelly Denies All Sexual Abuse Allegations Against the R&B Singer
Kelly’s attorney also appeared on the program and affirmed that the singer believes that “every one” of his accusers is lying.
He also addressed Kelly’s worsening music industry woes, as artists like Lady Gaga and Céline Dion seek to remove their collaborations with Kelly from streaming and download services.
“The record companies are abandoning him. Other artists are all of a sudden acting like they’re shocked by these rumors that — that are floating around. He’s having a very difficult time. But he is strong, he’s tough. He wants to put out his music and continue performing for people. And I expect that’s what he’ll be able to do.”
If you or someone you know think they are being abused, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) now for anonymous, confidential help, available 24/7.
