Being a man, I am going to agree with the majority of the posts on here. Sometimes, we go to far and insult ourselves by defending people who should make greater efforts to be above reproach. I coach middle school and high school athletics, and as a coach, there is a wealth of trust invested in me. I have to be above just about anything. Just as has been already pointed out, statutory rape is not about consent. It is about abusing trust and authority in most cases. I refuse to blame the 14-yr old.
R Kelly is talented. Nevertheless, I am inclined to believe the rumors, as they have been circulating for years. He seems to really have a fetish for underaged girls. The fact that he is a married father (a fact he went out of his way to keep under wraps for years, probably for career reasons) makes the whole thing look sicker. I also happened to read at
www.bet.com that the girl in question is a niece of Sparkle, his former protege. Now if that isn't an abuse of responsibilty, I don't know what is.
If indeed the child's family is refusing to cooperate for financial reasons, I agree; they are just as guilty of abuse as the Kelly. The bottom line is this: the sooner we hold our own stars accountable, the better for us as a race. If all this is true, I hope they lock him up and throw the key away. Our children have enough to worry about already, and need not be bothered by perverted singers who take advantage children to satisfy their sick urges. Half on a baby is cool, but half on a baby WITH A BABY is criminal!