R. Kelly's career timeline

Robert Sylvester Kelly, known by his stage name R. Kelly, is no stranger to headlines. In recent years, his music has taken a backseat to accusations of pedophilia and sexual misconduct. The R&B singer, who signed his first record deal in 1990, has maintained his innocence. Kelly’s rise to fame began in 1993 with the release of his album 12 Play, that included the smash hit “Bump N’ Grind.” From there, he went on to produce songs for superstars like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. His personal life was also in the spotlight. In 1994, he secretly married singer Aaliyah Haughton, who was 15 at the time. The marriage was quickly annulled. Two years later, he released the song “I Believe I Can Fly.” It went on to win three Grammys. That same year, he was accused of sexual battery and sexual harassment. The case was settled out of court, but that was just the beginning. In 2002, he was indicted on 21 charges related to child pornography. Six years later, he was acquitted on all counts. In 2019, a Lifetime documentary renewed focus on Kelly's history of sexual assault charge and lawsuits. In a rare, emotional and explosive interview with Gayle King, Kelly says he’s never had sex with a minor or held a woman against her will.