With all this talk about R. Kelly's alleged assault on young ladies, there has been little conversation about the man's mental health. It is important to note that there is no excuse for the allegations against Kells. Wrong is wrong, period. It is also important to examine the culture of rape, and its effects on mental health as well. Beyonce's father, Matthew Knowles, sat down with TMZ to speak about R. Kelly, and he stated that the singer's history of being abused is relevant to the bigger discussion here.
"In the music industry, we first look at the professional side, right or wrong," began Knowles. He continued on to explain that artist's work was separated from their personal issues in the music industry in the 90's and earlier. "We look at the professional side and not the personal side," he continued. "I think there's a number of people that fall into that. They're not evaluated by their personal business. They're evaluated by their creative business." After admitting that he doesn't think the industry has changed much since back then, Knowles speaks about Kelly's own abuse.
"I don't think R. Kelly gets a pass for what I'm about to say," he began. "But I think it is relevant in the context. His brother and himself were sexually abused from the age of 6 to 12. And that makes a tremendous impact on one." Destiny's Child did record one song with Kelly called "Stimulate Me" for an Eddie Murphy movie. The song was never placed on a DC album.
