Protests againsts R. Kelly's tour is planned by a number of activists who are unhappy by his unsettled child pornography trial.
- Dec 13, 2007
AceShowbiz - After tossing Ne-Yo off his tour bus, R. Kelly is in possible threat to stop his 'Double Up' tour permanently. Not because Ne-Yo is making a retaliation but since activists are gathering a plan to boycott the tour by rallying outside his upcoming concert in Los Angeles.
The African-American campaigners are unhappy that the R'n'B singer is earning money while his child pornography trial is still unsettled. They will voice their protests outside L.A.'s Forum on Friday, December 14.
One activist Jasmyne Cannick said, "It's like pulling teeth to get people to talk about this. It's a challenge to get the black community to even discuss it. They're acting like he doesn't have 14 counts of child pornography against him. We're all acting like we don't have daughters and nieces and little sisters. Everyone is making money, and everyone seems OK with him. People really need to wake up."
From Kelly's camp, manager Derrell McDavid defended, "There's been no protests on this tour. It's just been a warm embrace and sold-out shows." although a show at Anaheim's Honda Center today (December 13) is cancelled reportedly due to poor tickets sale.
The tour that supports his 2007 release 'Double Up' is scheduled to run through January 13 in Hampton, V.A. Keyshia Cole and J. Holiday are tagged in as supporting acts while Ne-Yo was dropped after only two performances.
Kelly will face the much-delayed trial in 2008. It roots from the case that has been imposed since he was caught in a video tape engaging in sex with an underage girl in 2002. Some other females also filed lawsuits claiming they were his sex partner while still minors.
On better side, Kelly is nominated for two Grammys next year; 'Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals' for 'Same Girl' featuring Usher and 'Best Long Form Music Video' for 'Trapped In The Closet Chapters 13-22.' The 50th annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 10, 2008 at Los Angeles' Staples Center. View the nominees here.
