K. Michelle is no longer holding back when it comes to R. Kelly.
During a recent appearance on BET’s The Jason Lee Show, the singer opened up for the first time about the true nature of her connection with him. While reflecting on his impact on her career and the long-standing controversy surrounding him, K. Michelle revealed that their relationship went beyond just business—and became romantic.
“If it wasn’t for Robert Kelly, I would not know the business,” K. Michelle said. “I would not understand the skills of songwriting.”
She then made her boldest admission yet: “I was in love with him.”
Over the years, K. Michelle has spoken about R. Kelly without fully defining their relationship. While she’s consistently credited him for shaping her approach to music and songwriting, she has also been vocal in condemning the allegations against him and those she believes enabled his actions.
During the interview, she emphasized that accountability shouldn’t stop with Kelly alone.
“I think mothers and people should be held accountable,” she stated. “Should Sparkle go to prison? Absolutely.”
Sparkle, a Chicago R&B singer who rose to fame as one of Kelly’s protégés, has publicly pushed back against claims made by her niece, Reshona Landfair.
In Landfair’s memoir Who’s Watching Shorty?, she alleges that adults in her life failed to protect her and, in some instances, enabled Kelly’s access to her.
In response, Sparkle released a statement on social media, denying any role in “grooming, facilitating, or enabling harm,” calling the accusations “untrue and deeply painful.” She also maintained that she contacted child welfare authorities after learning Landfair was spending time alone with Kelly and later testified against him in court.
K. Michelle, however, stood firm in her belief that those around Kelly were more aware than they admitted.
“What about all the mothers that was in the kitchen cooking?” she said, echoing remarks she made years before Surviving R. Kelly aired. “There were mothers in the kitchen cooking. I’ve never lied.”
She also hinted that there’s much more she could reveal. “If I talk, everybody is going to jail,” K. Michelle added.
R. Kelly is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence after being convicted on racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, confidential support is available. In the U.S., you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit online.rainn.org.
