A video that surfaced online this week provides proof that embattled singer/songwriter R. Kelly knew Aaliyah was underaged at the time of their marriage in 1994.
Kelly strenuously denied knowing the late singer was only 15 when he married her. But the video proves definitely that he did.
In the video clip from a 1994 documentary, Kelly introduces his new artist, Aaliyah. “Right now I’m producing a very talented lady – a young lady. She’s 14, Aaliyah. She’s real street.”
Kelly, 52, is accused of lying about Aaliyah’s age to obtain the marriage certificate.
READ ALSO: Beyonce’s Dad, Mathew Knowles, Stood Guard Over Destiny’s Child When They Met with R. Kelly
Kelly met Aaliyah – the daughter of his then manager, Barry Hankerson, when she was only 12. They tied the knot in 1994 when Aaliyah was 15 and Kelly was 27. According to sources, Kelly reportedly believed Aaliyah was pregnant at the time.
The marriage was annulled less than a year later. Kelly produced Aaliyah’s debut album, interestingly titled Age Ain’t Nothin’ But a Number.
Aaliyah would have turned 40 on Wednesday, Jan. 16.
After the airing of the bombshell documentary Surviving R. Kelly, Georgia and Illinois officials launched investigations into allegations that the crooner held women hostage in a home in a suburb of Atlanta and in his Chicago studio.
Multiple celebrities who collaborated with Kelly, including Lady Gaga, Chance the Rapper and Beyonce, removed their collaborations from music streaming services.
Kelly’s label, RCA/Sony Music, also decided to shelve Kelly’s music – at least until the controversy dies down.
Kelly is reportedly taking the negative publicity very hard. He was recently hospitalized in Chicago with panic attacks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BeHQDiSzcI
