1
00:00:04,079 --> 00:00:07,006
My understanding
of what happened
2
00:00:07,233 --> 00:00:09,916
Between robert
and aaliyah dana haughton
3
00:00:10,011 --> 00:00:13,161
Begins with barry hankerson,
4
00:00:13,255 --> 00:00:17,741
Who was the manager who oversaw
kelly's rise to superstardom.
5
00:00:17,834 --> 00:00:20,744
He had a niece,
aaliyah dana haughton,
6
00:00:20,763 --> 00:00:24,264
And hankerson
paired aaliyah with kelly.
7
00:00:24,358 --> 00:00:28,343
Is your estrangement from
your sister related to r. Kelly?
8
00:00:28,362 --> 00:00:32,698
Yes. I think my sister
knew a lot more than
what we thought she knew.
9
00:00:32,849 --> 00:00:36,351
There was some type of rapport
my sister had with robert kelly
10
00:00:36,445 --> 00:00:39,930
That began to creep in
to our lives.
11
00:00:40,023 --> 00:00:44,376
There are questions
that only barry hankerson
and diane haughton can answer.
12
00:00:47,106 --> 00:00:50,883
( theme music playing )
13
00:01:14,224 --> 00:01:17,150
Taryn finley:
Narcissism, delusion,
14
00:01:17,303 --> 00:01:20,304
Menace, manipulation.
15
00:01:20,322 --> 00:01:23,398
- It felt evil.
- He didn't do it alone.
16
00:01:23,417 --> 00:01:26,810
There was an enterprise.
17
00:01:26,829 --> 00:01:28,495
They began in '94 with aaliyah.
18
00:01:28,589 --> 00:01:30,480
There are so many people
that enabled r. Kelly--
19
00:01:30,574 --> 00:01:33,317
Bodyguards, entourage,
assistants.
20
00:01:33,410 --> 00:01:37,504
- They were sick just like him.
- These girls were in danger
and nothing was being done.
21
00:01:37,598 --> 00:01:40,081
Everybody had a financial
incentive to look the other way.
22
00:01:40,175 --> 00:01:42,917
Woman:
He made a lot of money
for a lot of people.
23
00:01:43,011 --> 00:01:46,179
The halo effect makes them
look at him as more powerful.
24
00:01:46,273 --> 00:01:48,941
He's a predator, and a predator
needs to be put down.
25
00:01:49,168 --> 00:01:51,276
I don't think
he should be charged alone.
26
00:01:51,428 --> 00:01:53,612
It's not over for anybody.
27
00:01:53,763 --> 00:01:56,949
Everyone in r. Kelly's operation
needs to go to jail.
28
00:01:57,176 --> 00:01:58,033
Everyone.
29
00:02:06,443 --> 00:02:10,203
Aaliyah is key to everything.
30
00:02:10,356 --> 00:02:12,689
Jovante cunningham:
She's been gone
a very long time.
31
00:02:12,708 --> 00:02:14,133
She's no longer here.
32
00:02:20,975 --> 00:02:23,308
Breaking story
out of the bahamas tonight.
33
00:02:23,460 --> 00:02:27,037
Authorities have confirmed that
r&b singer and actress aaliyah
34
00:02:27,055 --> 00:02:29,815
Is among eight people killed
in a plane crash.
35
00:02:34,989 --> 00:02:36,563
Aaliyah was only 22 years old.
36
00:02:36,715 --> 00:02:39,065
Reporter:
Aaliyah's family is devastated
37
00:02:39,160 --> 00:02:41,551
At the loss of their
loving daughter and sister.
38
00:02:41,645 --> 00:02:44,496
Reporter: Along with
two grammy nominations
and a platinum album,
39
00:02:44,723 --> 00:02:48,241
The singer had recently
launched a film career.
40
00:02:48,394 --> 00:02:50,076
Jovante cunningham:
I thought I was gonna
go to my grave
41
00:02:50,171 --> 00:02:53,488
With nobody ever knowing
what happened to me,
42
00:02:53,582 --> 00:02:54,656
What happened to aaliyah.
43
00:02:54,750 --> 00:02:56,658
She can't speak for herself,
44
00:02:56,752 --> 00:02:58,919
But to be able to be
a voice for her
45
00:02:59,071 --> 00:03:03,015
Was one of
the most beautiful things.
46
00:03:10,416 --> 00:03:13,174
I think my heart was gonna
jump out of my throat
47
00:03:13,194 --> 00:03:15,752
As I was standing outside
of the door
48
00:03:15,771 --> 00:03:17,270
To enter the courtroom.
49
00:03:17,364 --> 00:03:18,989
It was very surreal.
50
00:03:20,926 --> 00:03:22,776
Reporter:
Today, jurors heard testimony
51
00:03:22,870 --> 00:03:24,945
About kelly's marriage
to the late singer aaliyah.
52
00:03:25,039 --> 00:03:27,539
Reporter:
R. Kelly was 27, and aaliyah
was just 15 years old.
53
00:03:27,691 --> 00:03:29,433
Reporter:
Jane doe #1,
how she met r. Kelly.
54
00:03:29,451 --> 00:03:31,435
- Kelly and aaliyah...
- Jane doe...
55
00:03:31,453 --> 00:03:33,603
Aaliyah's name was said
within the first ten minutes
56
00:03:33,697 --> 00:03:35,697
Of the prosecution's
opening statements
57
00:03:35,716 --> 00:03:38,199
For the first time
in a criminal court
58
00:03:38,293 --> 00:03:41,035
In what is no exaggeration
59
00:03:41,129 --> 00:03:43,964
The biggest scandal in
the history of popular music.
60
00:03:44,116 --> 00:03:46,633
Angela yee:
The attorney, she said,
"this case is about a predator
61
00:03:46,785 --> 00:03:48,802
And a network of people
at his disposal
62
00:03:48,896 --> 00:03:51,955
To target, groom, and exploit
young girls, boys, and women
63
00:03:52,048 --> 00:03:54,140
For his own
sexual gratification."
64
00:03:54,235 --> 00:03:56,568
When you start with aaliyah,
you start with a large scheme.
65
00:03:56,720 --> 00:03:59,738
That shows you grooming,
that shows you how young,
66
00:03:59,965 --> 00:04:02,466
That shows that
nothing has changed,
67
00:04:02,559 --> 00:04:05,485
That lays the framework
for the pattern.
68
00:04:05,579 --> 00:04:09,155
We actually learned a lot about
aaliyah during this trial,
69
00:04:09,250 --> 00:04:10,732
Which was pretty sad.
70
00:04:10,751 --> 00:04:11,975
She was jane doe #1,
and of course,
71
00:04:12,068 --> 00:04:13,977
She's not alive
to tell her own story.
72
00:04:13,996 --> 00:04:15,570
Pilar melendez:
Obviously, aaliyah is such
73
00:04:15,589 --> 00:04:19,741
A central figure
in the history of r. Kelly,
74
00:04:19,835 --> 00:04:21,909
But since she died so young,
75
00:04:22,004 --> 00:04:23,837
A lot of people
don't know the details
of their relationship
76
00:04:23,931 --> 00:04:25,413
Or what actually happened--
77
00:04:25,432 --> 00:04:27,991
The actual annulment
of their wedding,
78
00:04:28,010 --> 00:04:29,935
How r. Kelly actually
raped another girl
79
00:04:30,162 --> 00:04:32,012
Two days
after he married aaliyah.
80
00:04:32,164 --> 00:04:33,847
We've never heard
of that before.
81
00:04:33,999 --> 00:04:37,667
So it was shocking
for people like myself
82
00:04:37,686 --> 00:04:40,003
That grew up aaliyah
but didn't know the details,
83
00:04:40,022 --> 00:04:43,264
Or people in the press corps
that had been doing music
84
00:04:43,284 --> 00:04:45,525
As their career for 15,
20 years
85
00:04:45,619 --> 00:04:48,620
That had been waiting for this
knew more than I did
86
00:04:48,772 --> 00:04:51,606
And still were shocked
by the details
that were coming out.
87
00:04:51,625 --> 00:04:55,294
Aaliyah's first album
is made by r. Kelly,
88
00:04:55,521 --> 00:04:57,187
And it's called "age ain't
nothing but a number."
89
00:04:57,205 --> 00:05:00,540
The title song
is about a young girl
90
00:05:00,634 --> 00:05:04,970
Who's trying to get an older guy
to go all the way with her.
91
00:05:05,197 --> 00:05:08,198
♪ age ain't nothing
but a number ♪
92
00:05:08,216 --> 00:05:11,718
♪ throwing down
ain't nothing but a thing ♪
93
00:05:11,812 --> 00:05:12,960
We adultified her.
94
00:05:13,055 --> 00:05:16,056
We did not see her as a victim,
95
00:05:16,150 --> 00:05:20,393
As someone who also needed us
to rally around her.
96
00:05:20,487 --> 00:05:23,471
Look at all the opportunities
that we as a community,
97
00:05:23,565 --> 00:05:25,824
As a culture,
as consumers of music
98
00:05:26,051 --> 00:05:28,643
Had chance after chance
after chance to say,
99
00:05:28,737 --> 00:05:30,812
"no, we don't deal
with this person."
100
00:05:30,906 --> 00:05:34,333
No, he was able to record music
101
00:05:34,484 --> 00:05:36,651
And perform at the olympics
and win awards
102
00:05:36,670 --> 00:05:39,821
And be considered, you know,
just an important figure
103
00:05:39,840 --> 00:05:41,989
In his industry for so long.
104
00:05:42,009 --> 00:05:46,920
It is incredibly unfortunate
that his traumas
105
00:05:47,072 --> 00:05:48,680
Took him down this road.
106
00:05:48,907 --> 00:05:52,926
It however does not remove
the responsibility
107
00:05:53,078 --> 00:05:56,355
Of society to prevent him
from traumatizing others.
108
00:06:04,013 --> 00:06:06,423
While r. Kelly sat
in a courtroom in brooklyn,
109
00:06:06,441 --> 00:06:08,925
Right across the water
in downtown manhattan
110
00:06:08,944 --> 00:06:12,537
Was a gigantic billboard
with aaliyah.
111
00:06:12,764 --> 00:06:16,190
A three-story billboard,
aaliyah, eyes closed,
112
00:06:16,210 --> 00:06:18,359
In an almost
christ-like position.
113
00:06:18,453 --> 00:06:19,936
"aaliyah is coming,"
114
00:06:20,029 --> 00:06:21,955
Advertising
the return of her music
115
00:06:22,049 --> 00:06:25,275
To streaming services
timed to the start of the trial.
116
00:06:25,293 --> 00:06:26,793
That was no coincidence.
117
00:06:26,945 --> 00:06:29,446
The world was really excited
last Friday
118
00:06:29,464 --> 00:06:31,372
When they were able
to finally get ahold
119
00:06:31,466 --> 00:06:34,300
Of "one in a million"
on streaming,
120
00:06:34,453 --> 00:06:36,620
Today being
the 20th anniversary
121
00:06:36,713 --> 00:06:38,379
Of the tragic passing
of aaliyah.
122
00:06:38,399 --> 00:06:40,732
- Mm-hmm.
- Was it targeted to try
123
00:06:40,959 --> 00:06:42,642
To match up with the date
as far having it release,
124
00:06:42,794 --> 00:06:44,461
Or it just kinda
happened that way?
125
00:06:44,554 --> 00:06:46,405
- It just kinda
happened that way.
- Okay.
126
00:06:46,556 --> 00:06:48,723
It was distasteful timing.
127
00:06:48,817 --> 00:06:52,560
Why not let her spirit get
the vindication that it needs
128
00:06:52,654 --> 00:06:53,486
For what took place?
129
00:06:53,580 --> 00:06:55,580
As far as I'm concerned,
130
00:06:55,807 --> 00:06:58,542
She was used as a means
to generate more revenue.
131
00:07:03,832 --> 00:07:06,833
My name is nakia vestal,
and I met r. Kelly
132
00:07:06,985 --> 00:07:08,093
In November of '94.
133
00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:09,502
I was 18 years old.
134
00:07:09,655 --> 00:07:12,005
I had just graduated
high school.
135
00:07:12,157 --> 00:07:13,414
And he's like, "oh, my god.
136
00:07:13,434 --> 00:07:14,991
You're so pretty.
Can you sing?"
137
00:07:15,084 --> 00:07:16,601
And I was like,
"no, I can dance."
138
00:07:16,828 --> 00:07:17,994
You know, I just thought
it was a joke or whatever.
139
00:07:18,013 --> 00:07:20,330
November 1994,
140
00:07:20,423 --> 00:07:22,999
I became r. Kelly's
backup dancer.
141
00:07:23,092 --> 00:07:24,834
I just remember hearing
on the radio,
142
00:07:24,928 --> 00:07:26,503
I was in houston
driving to work
143
00:07:26,521 --> 00:07:28,855
And barry hankerson,
his former manager,
144
00:07:29,007 --> 00:07:31,098
Was saying,
"oh, when I found out about
145
00:07:31,118 --> 00:07:32,934
Him messing
with my niece aaliyah,
146
00:07:32,953 --> 00:07:34,861
I stopped working with him."
147
00:07:34,955 --> 00:07:37,271
November '94, when I met him,
barry was still his manager.
148
00:07:37,365 --> 00:07:40,274
Barry ate breakfast with us.
149
00:07:40,294 --> 00:07:44,037
I remember barry hankerson
going on "dr. Oz"
150
00:07:44,131 --> 00:07:46,298
And promoting her music.
151
00:07:46,449 --> 00:07:48,616
What did you do
when you learned that r. Kelly
152
00:07:48,635 --> 00:07:50,969
Had illegally
married your niece aaliyah?
153
00:07:51,196 --> 00:07:53,788
Went crazy, and I made
myself known, obviously,
154
00:07:53,882 --> 00:07:57,124
To robert kelly,
and I've never spoken to him
again to this day.
155
00:07:57,144 --> 00:08:00,870
So, I met barry hankerson
in 1995 in January
156
00:08:00,964 --> 00:08:04,708
When I was 17 years old,
after the annulment
157
00:08:04,726 --> 00:08:07,043
Of the marriage
between aaliyah and robert.
158
00:08:07,062 --> 00:08:10,046
For him to be sitting there
with underage girls
159
00:08:10,065 --> 00:08:12,807
Knowing what he had
just done to his niece,
160
00:08:12,826 --> 00:08:14,809
I don't know
if I really have a lot
161
00:08:14,903 --> 00:08:16,310
Of respect for this person.
162
00:08:16,404 --> 00:08:18,238
And it just seemed
so calculated
163
00:08:18,332 --> 00:08:21,500
That her music is coming out
during a trial.
164
00:08:21,727 --> 00:08:24,894
I went to the owner
of jive records and said,
165
00:08:24,988 --> 00:08:27,154
"I can't be here anymore.
I have to go.
166
00:08:27,249 --> 00:08:28,173
Aaliyah has to go."
167
00:08:28,324 --> 00:08:30,825
Barry's full of ( bleep ).
168
00:08:30,919 --> 00:08:32,585
Barry knew exactly
what was going on.
169
00:08:32,679 --> 00:08:35,922
I was for not having any linkage
to robert kelly at all.
170
00:08:36,016 --> 00:08:39,000
I remember coming back
171
00:08:39,019 --> 00:08:42,412
Off of tour and robert saying
172
00:08:42,505 --> 00:08:45,431
That he wasn't gonna renew
his management contract
with barry.
173
00:08:45,526 --> 00:08:47,751
And barry saying,
174
00:08:47,769 --> 00:08:50,103
"if you don't renew
my management contract,
175
00:08:50,255 --> 00:08:51,512
I'm gonna pull the plug
on you and aaliyah."
176
00:08:51,606 --> 00:08:54,015
And robert didn't.
177
00:08:54,109 --> 00:08:55,850
Or so I thought.
178
00:08:55,944 --> 00:08:58,595
And maybe two,
three days later
179
00:08:58,613 --> 00:09:00,855
Is when we found out
about the marriage.
180
00:09:00,949 --> 00:09:02,523
I didn't know anything
about it either,
181
00:09:02,543 --> 00:09:04,784
But I remember thinking
to myself,
182
00:09:04,878 --> 00:09:06,452
"you dirty ( bleep ).
183
00:09:06,547 --> 00:09:08,772
You would do this to your niece?
184
00:09:08,790 --> 00:09:10,364
You're okay
with this type of behavior?
185
00:09:10,384 --> 00:09:11,216
Wow."
186
00:09:14,796 --> 00:09:17,280
The charge relating
to jane doe #1,
187
00:09:17,373 --> 00:09:19,891
Later to be revealed
to be aaliyah,
188
00:09:20,118 --> 00:09:22,302
Demetrius smith
had to be offered immunity
189
00:09:22,454 --> 00:09:23,878
Because he did
not want to participate,
190
00:09:23,972 --> 00:09:25,622
But obviously they needed him.
191
00:09:25,640 --> 00:09:29,142
These crimes that we heard
in the courtroom
192
00:09:29,236 --> 00:09:32,386
Stretch back to about 30 years
193
00:09:32,406 --> 00:09:35,298
Because kelly
was surrounded by enablers.
194
00:09:35,391 --> 00:09:41,079
The prosecution said,
"aaliyah told kelly she was
pregnant at age 15."
195
00:09:41,306 --> 00:09:44,899
Demetrius smith
is asked, "well, why else did
he want to marry her?"
196
00:09:44,918 --> 00:09:47,735
And demetrius says,
"to stay out of jail,"
197
00:09:47,754 --> 00:09:50,496
Because it was statutory rape
of a minor.
198
00:09:50,591 --> 00:09:53,817
Hip-hop star r. Kelly
did indeed marry his protégé,
199
00:09:53,910 --> 00:09:55,668
The 15-year-old singer
aaliyah haughton.
200
00:09:55,762 --> 00:09:57,837
Robert was scared.
We didn't know how to do it.
201
00:09:57,931 --> 00:09:59,155
We had to figure it out.
202
00:09:59,248 --> 00:10:02,008
And me being the street man,
203
00:10:02,160 --> 00:10:04,510
I had to get her id.
204
00:10:04,663 --> 00:10:07,330
And so I took her to
the county building,
205
00:10:07,423 --> 00:10:09,757
And we got a public aid id.
206
00:10:09,776 --> 00:10:11,684
We knew people
that were the photographers
207
00:10:11,837 --> 00:10:14,170
That give you ids,
and they did it.
208
00:10:14,263 --> 00:10:15,780
Kathryn m. Martin:
The other thing
209
00:10:16,007 --> 00:10:17,841
That the jane doe #1
aaliyah charge does
210
00:10:17,859 --> 00:10:21,620
Is brings in a lot of other
people in the enterprise.
211
00:10:21,771 --> 00:10:23,938
That's important because
that brings in the bribery.
212
00:10:23,957 --> 00:10:26,516
That brings in
the marriage license issues.
213
00:10:26,534 --> 00:10:29,352
That brings in the pastor,
which all become part
214
00:10:29,445 --> 00:10:31,204
Of the charges
to the racketeering.
215
00:10:31,356 --> 00:10:32,797
We learned a lot
about the wedding.
216
00:10:32,949 --> 00:10:34,633
It was really sad.
217
00:10:34,860 --> 00:10:36,635
We heard from the pastor
who conducted the wedding.
218
00:10:42,717 --> 00:10:45,218
It sounds like it was
a really quick thing.
It took a couple minutes.
219
00:10:45,370 --> 00:10:48,872
It was in a hotel room.
They wore matching track suits.
220
00:10:48,965 --> 00:10:51,799
No one that aaliyah loved
was there.
221
00:10:51,818 --> 00:10:55,044
It was her, r. Kelly,
the pastor,
222
00:10:55,138 --> 00:10:58,381
A couple of r. Kelly's buddies.
She was alone.
223
00:10:58,400 --> 00:11:01,475
Then, you know,
they perform this quickie
marriage ceremony,
224
00:11:01,495 --> 00:11:03,219
He gets on a flight,
and he flies off
225
00:11:03,238 --> 00:11:05,813
To one of his concerts
without her, leaves her alone.
226
00:11:05,907 --> 00:11:08,558
I was in the room
when they got married.
I'm not proud of that.
227
00:11:08,576 --> 00:11:11,911
I had papers forged for them,
got the marriage license,
228
00:11:12,005 --> 00:11:14,230
And I think
if he'd have just waited
to have married aaliyah,
229
00:11:14,249 --> 00:11:15,507
They would've been
so beautiful.
230
00:11:17,085 --> 00:11:18,343
They'd probably travel
around the world
231
00:11:18,494 --> 00:11:20,011
Just being a silly couple.
232
00:11:20,238 --> 00:11:23,664
'cause robert was her age
in mind, okay?
233
00:11:23,684 --> 00:11:26,167
It's not like
he was 27 years old,
234
00:11:26,186 --> 00:11:30,914
And she was 16 and,
you know--
235
00:11:31,007 --> 00:11:32,857
She was...
236
00:11:38,198 --> 00:11:41,849
How the hell
did 27-year-old r. Kelly
237
00:11:41,868 --> 00:11:44,536
Get away with marrying
15-year-old aaliyah
238
00:11:44,687 --> 00:11:48,039
And it was just merely
a salacious piece of gossip?
239
00:11:48,266 --> 00:11:50,767
Nobody did anything.
240
00:11:50,785 --> 00:11:53,694
I can't believe that.
241
00:11:53,788 --> 00:11:56,363
Demetrius smith:
You see, I wanted to be
loyal to everybody.
242
00:11:56,458 --> 00:11:57,716
And it didn't work out that wy
243
00:11:57,867 --> 00:12:01,444
Because everybody
was on their own agenda.
244
00:12:01,463 --> 00:12:03,888
You know,
barry had his thoughts.
245
00:12:04,040 --> 00:12:08,451
There are questions
that only barry hankerson
and diane haughton can answer.
246
00:12:08,544 --> 00:12:10,878
Is your estrangement
from your sister
247
00:12:10,972 --> 00:12:13,714
- Related to r. Kelly?
- Yes.
248
00:12:13,734 --> 00:12:16,550
I think my sister
knew a lot more than
what we thought she knew.
249
00:12:16,570 --> 00:12:18,886
There was some type
of rapport my sister had
250
00:12:18,905 --> 00:12:23,557
With robert kelly that began
to creep into our lives.
251
00:12:23,577 --> 00:12:27,078
Aaliyah's parents were like
the cosbys, you know?
252
00:12:27,305 --> 00:12:30,306
Mike and diane
were just awesome people.
253
00:12:30,325 --> 00:12:35,420
They trusted me.
They trusted us.
254
00:12:35,647 --> 00:12:38,998
Kathryn m. Martin:
During the trial, there was
specific testimony brought out,
255
00:12:39,092 --> 00:12:41,317
Actually by the defense,
which I was surprised about,
256
00:12:41,336 --> 00:12:44,262
Asking questions
about aaliyah's mother
257
00:12:44,413 --> 00:12:46,172
And the nature
of her involvement.
258
00:12:46,324 --> 00:12:49,325
And I think it's important
as we look at barry hankerson
259
00:12:49,418 --> 00:12:51,085
And his communication
with dr. Oz
260
00:12:51,179 --> 00:12:53,420
To think of what
could have been going on
261
00:12:53,515 --> 00:12:55,498
Having to do with the mother.
262
00:12:55,591 --> 00:12:57,091
It's hard to say.
We'll never really know.
263
00:12:57,110 --> 00:13:00,261
But we do know
that people that were there
264
00:13:00,280 --> 00:13:03,523
Feel a certain type of way,
specifically barry hankerson.
265
00:13:03,617 --> 00:13:06,934
What has your sister done
that you oppose,
that bothers you?
266
00:13:07,028 --> 00:13:10,346
I really can't get into that,
but it's something one day
267
00:13:10,365 --> 00:13:13,349
I hope she comes to grips with.
268
00:13:13,442 --> 00:13:15,460
Jim derogatis:
There's more to be said there,
269
00:13:15,687 --> 00:13:19,689
Questions that I think aaliyah
deserves to have answered.
270
00:13:19,707 --> 00:13:24,135
Now that she has been
exposed in the criminal court,
271
00:13:24,362 --> 00:13:26,638
I think she deserves
to finish the story.
272
00:13:42,714 --> 00:13:45,306
Jim derogatis:
There are questions
that only barry hankerson
273
00:13:45,400 --> 00:13:47,733
And diane haughton can answer.
274
00:13:47,886 --> 00:13:51,312
I refuse to cover up
anybody else's stuff
ever again in my life.
275
00:13:51,406 --> 00:13:52,831
I don't care who it is.
276
00:13:54,576 --> 00:13:57,060
After the documentary aired,
277
00:13:57,078 --> 00:13:59,153
Diane hurt my feelings
really bad
278
00:13:59,247 --> 00:14:01,898
By stating publicly I had
never been around her daughter,
279
00:14:01,916 --> 00:14:06,010
Didn't know her,
I was a forked-tongue devil.
280
00:14:06,237 --> 00:14:08,513
Diane haughton,
you know exactly who I am.
281
00:14:08,664 --> 00:14:10,923
I still got
my caller id box at home
282
00:14:11,076 --> 00:14:13,000
With y'all home number on it
from back then.
283
00:14:13,019 --> 00:14:14,853
Yeah, I still got it.
Still got it.
284
00:14:15,004 --> 00:14:17,597
So for you to say that
was disheartening
285
00:14:17,749 --> 00:14:20,692
'cause it's not about you all.
It's about what happened to her.
286
00:14:20,843 --> 00:14:23,102
And if you wanted
to talk about it,
287
00:14:23,196 --> 00:14:25,846
Why not talk about it
from a period of transparency,
288
00:14:25,866 --> 00:14:27,198
Not with a bunch of lies
and garbage.
289
00:14:31,204 --> 00:14:34,688
( distorted voice )
I would hear him degrade
their mothers to them,
290
00:14:34,708 --> 00:14:37,542
And he would tell the girls
that their mothers wanted him,
291
00:14:37,693 --> 00:14:39,619
That their mothers
were jealous of them
292
00:14:39,713 --> 00:14:42,029
Because they were young girls,
they were fine girls,
293
00:14:42,123 --> 00:14:44,107
Their mothers were fat.
294
00:14:44,200 --> 00:14:45,699
You know,
making them feel like,
295
00:14:45,719 --> 00:14:48,369
"I want you,
but your mother wants me."
296
00:14:48,388 --> 00:14:52,390
So if the mom is around,
then it's almost like a contest
297
00:14:52,617 --> 00:14:54,133
Between the mother
and the daughter.
298
00:14:54,227 --> 00:14:56,135
Azriel, for one,
299
00:14:56,229 --> 00:14:58,379
He told her that her mother
was jealous of her,
300
00:14:58,398 --> 00:15:00,640
That he had mother
some years back
301
00:15:00,734 --> 00:15:03,401
After one of his shows,
and her mother wanted him.
302
00:15:03,628 --> 00:15:05,811
It made me see him
in a different light,
303
00:15:05,964 --> 00:15:10,224
And it made me realize
that he was a manipulator.
304
00:15:10,243 --> 00:15:12,635
Alanna vagianos:
I get really upset
when people say,
305
00:15:12,654 --> 00:15:15,154
"where were the parents?"
306
00:15:15,306 --> 00:15:18,324
When you have a multi-million
dollar celebrity
307
00:15:18,476 --> 00:15:21,085
Who is at the top of his game
and comes to you and says,
308
00:15:21,237 --> 00:15:24,997
"I can give your child every
single dream she's ever wanted,"
309
00:15:25,091 --> 00:15:29,093
Because most of these girls
were aspiring singers,
310
00:15:29,320 --> 00:15:31,487
That's grooming
of the parents as well.
311
00:15:31,506 --> 00:15:35,341
It's easier to blame others
312
00:15:35,493 --> 00:15:38,661
Rather than accept
that there's an individual
313
00:15:38,680 --> 00:15:43,349
In our society
that can be so evil and sick.
314
00:15:43,501 --> 00:15:45,501
And so I think
that's kind of the easy go-to,
315
00:15:45,594 --> 00:15:47,170
"let me blame the parents."
316
00:15:47,263 --> 00:15:49,781
Blame the real person.
R. Kelly.
317
00:15:49,932 --> 00:15:52,951
Blame the people
that surround him
that are allowing him
318
00:15:53,178 --> 00:15:55,453
To victimize these girls
over and over again.
319
00:15:55,604 --> 00:15:57,246
That's where the blame
really lies.
320
00:16:20,054 --> 00:16:23,982
I wasn't a dancer.
I was a feature in one
of his music videos,
321
00:16:24,209 --> 00:16:28,227
"playas only" with r. Kelly,
featuring the game.
322
00:16:28,321 --> 00:16:31,823
Maybe 2000 or so.
323
00:16:31,974 --> 00:16:34,550
Yeah, it was
a little bit later on.
324
00:16:34,569 --> 00:16:38,554
I was 16 years old
when I met rob in 1993.
325
00:16:38,573 --> 00:16:40,999
My friends and I
went to his show
326
00:16:41,150 --> 00:16:43,334
And he was there
with other artists,
327
00:16:43,486 --> 00:16:46,579
And I just remember his voice
was just amazing.
328
00:16:46,731 --> 00:16:49,490
It was really captivating.
329
00:16:49,584 --> 00:16:52,677
After the show, my girlfriend
and I were waiting outside.
330
00:16:52,904 --> 00:16:55,329
We were getting ready
to go to our cars,
331
00:16:55,348 --> 00:16:58,182
And a limousine pulls up
332
00:16:58,409 --> 00:17:02,336
And rob lifts his head up,
and, you know,
333
00:17:02,430 --> 00:17:04,914
Introduces himself to me.
334
00:17:04,932 --> 00:17:08,918
And he was like,
"well, I would really love
to get to know you,
335
00:17:08,936 --> 00:17:11,178
So why don't you
take my room key?
336
00:17:11,272 --> 00:17:13,756
You can go up there
and wait for me.
I promise I'll be back."
337
00:17:13,775 --> 00:17:17,035
So his road manager
set everything up
338
00:17:17,186 --> 00:17:19,186
For my friends and I
to go up to the room.
339
00:17:19,205 --> 00:17:22,114
And rob, he came back.
340
00:17:22,267 --> 00:17:24,208
We stayed in touch.
341
00:17:24,360 --> 00:17:27,045
Every day I spoke to him
after that.
342
00:17:27,196 --> 00:17:28,880
Rob used to come up
to the school.
343
00:17:29,031 --> 00:17:32,032
He would have the tour bus
sitting outside my high school
344
00:17:32,126 --> 00:17:33,534
Waiting for me to get out.
345
00:17:33,553 --> 00:17:37,055
He attended
my high school graduation.
346
00:17:37,206 --> 00:17:40,040
I mean, he was very,
very involved.
347
00:17:40,060 --> 00:17:43,061
With my mom
being against us dating,
348
00:17:43,288 --> 00:17:45,712
When she found out
that I was still speaking to him
349
00:17:45,732 --> 00:17:49,883
After she had
forbid me to do it,
she put me out.
350
00:17:49,903 --> 00:17:52,295
It should've woke me up
at that time
351
00:17:52,313 --> 00:17:54,297
Because she's knowing things
352
00:17:54,315 --> 00:17:56,982
That I'm not seeing,
being so young.
353
00:17:57,135 --> 00:18:00,136
But when I graduated
high school,
354
00:18:00,154 --> 00:18:03,306
I went to go live with him.
355
00:18:03,324 --> 00:18:04,807
He was really controlling.
356
00:18:04,900 --> 00:18:06,567
Certain things
he liked sexually,
357
00:18:06,661 --> 00:18:07,919
He liked it his way.
358
00:18:12,575 --> 00:18:15,093
I did not know
how to arch my back.
359
00:18:16,912 --> 00:18:18,429
And when I tell you...
360
00:18:20,600 --> 00:18:24,327
...He literally had me
361
00:18:24,420 --> 00:18:28,013
With a camera prepped up,
like, um,
362
00:18:28,166 --> 00:18:33,277
Having me sit in this position
to learn how to arch my back.
363
00:18:33,504 --> 00:18:37,573
Literally hours
being in this position.
364
00:18:41,195 --> 00:18:43,454
He would even take breaks.
365
00:18:43,606 --> 00:18:46,682
He would come back
and check on me
366
00:18:46,701 --> 00:18:48,367
To see if I was still
in that same position,
367
00:18:48,519 --> 00:18:50,294
Meanwhile keeping the camera on
368
00:18:50,446 --> 00:18:54,039
To see if I moved
when he asked me not to.
369
00:18:54,192 --> 00:18:57,193
He was wanting to groom me
to be the person
370
00:18:57,211 --> 00:18:58,803
That he wanted me
to be for him.
371
00:19:00,473 --> 00:19:01,597
Just for him.
372
00:19:11,709 --> 00:19:14,819
Oh, gosh.
That's a touchy one.
373
00:19:20,718 --> 00:19:24,737
Everyone started talking
about rob and aaliyah.
374
00:19:24,889 --> 00:19:27,832
I would always ask him
about him and aaliyah,
375
00:19:27,983 --> 00:19:30,334
And he would deny it.
376
00:19:30,486 --> 00:19:33,078
But, you know,
being on tour with him,
377
00:19:33,173 --> 00:19:36,340
I noticed a lot of similarities
between she and I.
378
00:19:36,567 --> 00:19:41,904
Now looking back,
I feel like I was kind of like
a body double for her.
379
00:19:41,923 --> 00:19:44,515
I noticed that when people
would photograph us
380
00:19:44,667 --> 00:19:47,185
Getting off the bus
that we did--
381
00:19:47,336 --> 00:19:49,094
Aaliyah and I did
have similarities.
382
00:19:49,247 --> 00:19:52,023
I met her once in the studio,
383
00:19:52,250 --> 00:19:55,008
But most of the time
when aaliyah came around
384
00:19:55,028 --> 00:19:59,363
Rob would have her
in a separate room.
385
00:19:59,515 --> 00:20:03,275
I'm thinking to myself,
"it's just him working with
his artist," you know?
386
00:20:03,428 --> 00:20:06,946
When he and I lived together
going into college,
387
00:20:07,098 --> 00:20:11,283
I was left at the house
for hours, bored.
388
00:20:11,377 --> 00:20:16,029
So, you know, I see, like,
this basket full of tapes,
389
00:20:16,123 --> 00:20:18,941
So I'm like,
"well, maybe I'll just grab
one of these tapes
390
00:20:19,034 --> 00:20:20,885
And let me go
in the other rooms
391
00:20:21,036 --> 00:20:23,112
And see if there's a vhs
392
00:20:23,205 --> 00:20:24,889
So I can watch a movie,"
you know?
393
00:20:25,040 --> 00:20:28,784
Because I was bored.
394
00:20:28,803 --> 00:20:32,730
That's when I discovered
that he had been lying to me
about aaliyah.
395
00:20:36,961 --> 00:20:40,796
He records everything, so...
396
00:20:40,815 --> 00:20:43,299
The tape that I put in, uh,
397
00:20:43,392 --> 00:20:45,743
Was, uh,
him and aaliyah together.
398
00:20:54,161 --> 00:20:58,147
What I saw on that tape
was he and aaliyah
being intimate.
399
00:20:58,165 --> 00:21:00,149
They were on the tour bus,
400
00:21:00,167 --> 00:21:01,667
And everything
that I had asked him,
401
00:21:01,819 --> 00:21:03,243
It was confirmed on the tape.
402
00:21:03,263 --> 00:21:05,004
In the bedroom
in the house that we shared,
403
00:21:05,098 --> 00:21:06,097
It has a sensor.
404
00:21:06,324 --> 00:21:08,266
It lets you know
when someone's in there.
405
00:21:08,417 --> 00:21:12,270
I don't know if it sent
some bell ringing in his ear,
406
00:21:12,497 --> 00:21:15,439
Like, "she's found
something that maybe
she shouldn't be watching,"
407
00:21:15,666 --> 00:21:19,426
Because he came home,
and I heard the car,
408
00:21:19,520 --> 00:21:23,355
You know, coming, pulling up,
and him coming inside the house.
409
00:21:23,508 --> 00:21:25,190
I just remember trying
to put the tape back
410
00:21:25,285 --> 00:21:28,602
Where I got it from before
he saw that I had had it.
411
00:21:28,621 --> 00:21:31,030
So I'm, you know,
trying to hurry up,
412
00:21:31,124 --> 00:21:36,443
And as I've put it back
and coming up to the door,
413
00:21:36,462 --> 00:21:39,130
He's standing
face to face with me like,
"what were you doing?"
414
00:21:41,709 --> 00:21:45,636
And I'm, like, froze up
because I was still
trying to process
415
00:21:45,788 --> 00:21:48,455
What I had just saw
on this tape,
416
00:21:48,474 --> 00:21:50,624
But then not show anger to him
417
00:21:50,643 --> 00:21:52,868
Because I didn't
wanna trigger him to,
418
00:21:52,887 --> 00:21:54,870
Like, you know, be angry.
419
00:21:54,889 --> 00:21:58,316
I just remember
just a hard shake like,
420
00:21:58,467 --> 00:22:00,467
"what were you doing?"
like, "what were you--"
421
00:22:00,486 --> 00:22:04,730
He wanted me to tell him
exactly what I saw,
but I was terrified.
422
00:22:04,882 --> 00:22:08,567
I was like,
"this is what everybody
is talking about,
423
00:22:08,661 --> 00:22:11,978
And I've asked him,
and he's not told me the truth,
424
00:22:11,998 --> 00:22:13,556
So what do I do now?"
425
00:22:13,649 --> 00:22:15,666
Like, I was just--
I was terrified.
426
00:22:15,818 --> 00:22:19,503
But that shake sent me down
flights of stairs,
427
00:22:19,655 --> 00:22:24,342
And I just laid there,
just froze.
428
00:22:24,569 --> 00:22:27,252
That was the moment
that I realized
429
00:22:27,405 --> 00:22:29,180
To pick and choose my battles.
430
00:22:38,432 --> 00:22:41,007
I'm sorry.
Can I take a break really quick?
431
00:22:41,027 --> 00:22:43,586
- Man: Yeah.
Is everything okay?
- I apologize.
432
00:22:43,604 --> 00:22:46,364
Of course.
Do you want to take a moment?
433
00:22:46,515 --> 00:22:50,368
- Yeah, I just...
- Water?
434
00:22:50,595 --> 00:22:52,119
Uh, a tissue please.
435
00:22:54,189 --> 00:22:57,208
- I'm so sorry.
- Totally fine.
436
00:23:00,380 --> 00:23:03,455
Can you ask diondra
to come here?
437
00:23:03,549 --> 00:23:05,549
Please? Thank you.
438
00:23:07,720 --> 00:23:11,889
Diondra: Are you okay?
Just-- it's about--
439
00:23:12,040 --> 00:23:14,392
Just tell your story, okay?
That's your power.
440
00:23:14,619 --> 00:23:17,520
- Yeah. I know.
- And don't second guess it.
441
00:23:20,048 --> 00:23:22,625
Like, I loved him.
442
00:23:22,643 --> 00:23:26,052
I love him.
He's still important to me.
443
00:23:26,072 --> 00:23:30,466
- Man: Mm-hmm. Yeah.
- And so he's not some
horrible man to me.
444
00:23:30,559 --> 00:23:33,911
And I don't want people
to think that, like--
445
00:23:34,138 --> 00:23:38,474
I just with that he would get
the help he needs.
446
00:23:38,567 --> 00:23:40,142
Diondra:
And that is something
that you can--
447
00:23:40,235 --> 00:23:43,495
And that is something
that you can say.
448
00:23:43,648 --> 00:23:47,149
'cause he's not a bad person.
Like, he just does bad things.
449
00:23:47,168 --> 00:23:48,909
Does that make...
450
00:23:48,928 --> 00:23:53,264
He groomed you
to be conflicted like this.
451
00:23:53,415 --> 00:23:57,226
- I know.
- You were impressionable.
You were 16 years old.
452
00:23:59,497 --> 00:24:03,165
I just notice certain things
that I'm saying out loud...
453
00:24:03,184 --> 00:24:06,001
- Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
- ...Is a trigger for me.
454
00:24:06,094 --> 00:24:08,837
I notice that
some of these things
455
00:24:08,856 --> 00:24:12,098
Have affected me
in my adult relationships,
456
00:24:12,193 --> 00:24:17,846
The things that maybe
I didn't think were
so harmful for me,
457
00:24:17,940 --> 00:24:20,624
- But they really were.
- Yeah, babe.
458
00:24:20,776 --> 00:24:22,943
But we gonna bounce back
from it
459
00:24:22,962 --> 00:24:24,536
And we gonna get better.
460
00:24:24,630 --> 00:24:28,357
Like, when I say he shook me,
461
00:24:28,450 --> 00:24:29,875
He pushed me down
the stairs, you know?
462
00:24:30,027 --> 00:24:33,137
But, like...
463
00:24:33,288 --> 00:24:36,198
- He pushed you down
the stairs, boo.
- I know.
464
00:24:36,291 --> 00:24:39,977
Because he was upset
because you found a tape
that could put him in jail.
465
00:24:41,797 --> 00:24:43,372
That was illegal,
what he was doing.
466
00:24:43,390 --> 00:24:46,892
I know. So bad.
467
00:24:46,986 --> 00:24:51,547
Abuse happens often with
elements of shame, degradation.
468
00:24:51,565 --> 00:24:54,883
For many survivors,
there's a sense of,
469
00:24:54,902 --> 00:24:56,885
"I don't want that
to have just happened to me."
470
00:24:56,979 --> 00:25:01,390
So there's a reflexive
minimization that happens
471
00:25:01,408 --> 00:25:03,316
So that it just takes up
less space in your life.
472
00:25:03,336 --> 00:25:06,003
And over time it begins
to intrude in your experience.
473
00:25:06,230 --> 00:25:09,173
You avoid going to places,
talking to people.
474
00:25:09,400 --> 00:25:13,418
I think I've just suppressed
these feelings for so long.
475
00:25:13,513 --> 00:25:15,137
No, no, honey.
476
00:25:17,350 --> 00:25:19,074
This is an empowering moment.
477
00:25:19,093 --> 00:25:21,685
You're taking
your power back today.
478
00:25:24,081 --> 00:25:25,356
Dr. Jody adewale:
When we talk about trauma,
479
00:25:25,583 --> 00:25:28,526
We often don't get
into the gritty details
480
00:25:28,677 --> 00:25:31,270
Because sometimes that
can re-traumatize the person
481
00:25:31,364 --> 00:25:33,756
And can make the sadness
482
00:25:33,849 --> 00:25:35,774
And the anger
and the fear worse.
483
00:25:35,926 --> 00:25:39,762
There's a reason that
we filter out some information
484
00:25:39,780 --> 00:25:41,597
Because it's just
not good for you.
485
00:25:41,615 --> 00:25:44,858
The trauma fractured
your sense of self.
486
00:25:44,877 --> 00:25:46,785
The trauma fractured
your sense of safety.
487
00:25:46,879 --> 00:25:48,771
So I encourage survivors
488
00:25:48,789 --> 00:25:50,956
To change the way
they look at it as,
489
00:25:51,108 --> 00:25:52,608
"I'm regaining power
490
00:25:52,626 --> 00:25:55,294
And I'm taking back
my sense of safety."
491
00:25:55,388 --> 00:25:58,964
Ebonié doyle:
After that aaliyah situation,
492
00:25:59,058 --> 00:26:01,725
With him lying to me and
not being completely honest,
493
00:26:01,952 --> 00:26:06,955
I wanted to try to have, like,
a more normal relationship
494
00:26:06,974 --> 00:26:08,548
With someone
who wasn't a superstar,
495
00:26:08,642 --> 00:26:10,642
Who wasn't getting
all this attention
496
00:26:10,736 --> 00:26:12,795
From other people and stuff.
497
00:26:12,813 --> 00:26:16,407
So I ended up dating
a frat guy.
498
00:26:16,558 --> 00:26:19,301
I did get pregnant,
and things didn't work out
499
00:26:19,320 --> 00:26:20,986
With me
and my daughter's father.
500
00:26:21,080 --> 00:26:23,472
So I ended up going back to rob.
501
00:26:23,565 --> 00:26:26,491
He was willing to take care
of my daughter
502
00:26:26,644 --> 00:26:28,419
Like she was his, you know?
503
00:26:28,646 --> 00:26:31,071
Before I even made
the decision to do this,
504
00:26:31,165 --> 00:26:33,148
I had to speak my daughter
505
00:26:33,167 --> 00:26:36,318
Because she was around
for a lot of it.
506
00:26:36,411 --> 00:26:39,154
You know,
"uncle robert" this and that,
507
00:26:39,173 --> 00:26:41,156
And then all of a sudden
he's no longer there.
508
00:26:41,175 --> 00:26:44,768
I didn't want her
to be embarrassed of her mom.
509
00:26:44,995 --> 00:26:49,665
I wanted her to kind of know
that it's my life
510
00:26:49,683 --> 00:26:52,184
And this is my truth.
511
00:26:52,278 --> 00:26:56,505
I started distancing myself
for numerous reasons with rob,
512
00:26:56,523 --> 00:26:59,675
But there was
an instance with rob.
513
00:26:59,768 --> 00:27:03,345
You know, um,
I went to go visit him.
514
00:27:03,364 --> 00:27:08,867
And I just remember
going to his house with
my oldest daughter.
515
00:27:09,019 --> 00:27:12,046
She was 12 years old, and...
516
00:27:15,301 --> 00:27:17,283
We got in his car,
517
00:27:17,378 --> 00:27:20,471
And he wanted to take
my daughter to get mcdonalds.
518
00:27:20,622 --> 00:27:23,140
So, I just remember
I'm sitting in the front seat.
519
00:27:23,367 --> 00:27:25,959
My daughter's sitting
in the backseat,
520
00:27:26,053 --> 00:27:29,888
And I'm actually having
a conversation with
my legs crossed towards him
521
00:27:29,982 --> 00:27:32,483
Because that's what he--
you know, his rules were.
522
00:27:32,710 --> 00:27:36,228
So I'm looking at him
having a conversation,
523
00:27:36,322 --> 00:27:38,781
And he's looking at...
524
00:27:42,236 --> 00:27:45,311
He's looking at my daughter
in the backseat
525
00:27:45,331 --> 00:27:48,832
In the rearview mirror with
the weirdest look on his face.
526
00:27:53,839 --> 00:27:56,415
And it freaked me out.
527
00:27:56,567 --> 00:27:58,842
So I just remember, like...
528
00:28:09,430 --> 00:28:13,173
Um, I just remember
529
00:28:13,192 --> 00:28:15,250
After we got our food,
530
00:28:15,269 --> 00:28:18,011
Um, I just remember leaving.
531
00:28:18,105 --> 00:28:20,180
I never took her
back over there.
532
00:28:20,274 --> 00:28:22,032
I never had her around him.
533
00:28:22,184 --> 00:28:25,018
I can't really say
it was a look I recognized,
534
00:28:25,037 --> 00:28:26,954
And maybe
I'm blocking things out.
535
00:28:28,207 --> 00:28:29,331
Um...
536
00:28:32,953 --> 00:28:36,380
It was uncomfortable, and...
537
00:28:43,371 --> 00:28:45,556
...And I just--
I didn't like it.
538
00:29:00,130 --> 00:29:01,071
Right.
539
00:29:04,076 --> 00:29:06,744
We've been a part of each
other's lives for 21 years.
540
00:29:06,895 --> 00:29:08,078
We've only talked twice.
541
00:29:08,230 --> 00:29:10,806
Very different
circumstances today.
542
00:29:10,899 --> 00:29:14,567
First story,
December 21, 2000.
543
00:29:14,587 --> 00:29:15,902
Tiffany hawkins:
I was the first girl,
544
00:29:15,996 --> 00:29:17,921
And nobody believed me.
545
00:29:18,073 --> 00:29:19,923
Demetrius smith:
Tiffany was a singer.
546
00:29:20,150 --> 00:29:22,484
Her relationship
with robert was music,
547
00:29:22,503 --> 00:29:24,336
And we introduced her
to aaliyah
548
00:29:24,488 --> 00:29:27,839
And she began to sing
background on aaliyah's album.
549
00:29:27,992 --> 00:29:31,326
Tiffany hawkins:
My sexual relationship
with robert
550
00:29:31,419 --> 00:29:35,105
Began several months
after meeting him.
551
00:29:35,257 --> 00:29:40,502
My witness list consisted
of aaliyah, javante,
552
00:29:40,521 --> 00:29:44,673
And several other women,
people in robert's camp.
553
00:29:44,691 --> 00:29:47,859
Definitely enough for me
to be taken seriously,
554
00:29:47,953 --> 00:29:49,953
But I wasn't.
555
00:29:50,105 --> 00:29:54,016
After my lawsuit,
I never spoke about this
556
00:29:54,034 --> 00:29:57,519
Up until maybe
a year and a half ago,
557
00:29:57,538 --> 00:29:59,521
And it was to jim derogatis.
558
00:29:59,540 --> 00:30:02,707
He's one of the few people
559
00:30:02,860 --> 00:30:07,137
That believed
from the very beginning
robert had a problem,
560
00:30:07,364 --> 00:30:09,973
And that I,
along with the other people
561
00:30:10,125 --> 00:30:12,217
That had spoken out
at that point,
562
00:30:12,311 --> 00:30:13,644
Were not lying.
563
00:30:13,795 --> 00:30:15,554
I gotta apologize.
564
00:30:15,648 --> 00:30:17,556
It had to be one of
the ( bleep ) days of your life
565
00:30:17,650 --> 00:30:20,633
When I splashed you on
the front page of "sun times."
566
00:30:20,653 --> 00:30:22,711
And they're all saying
"accusations."
567
00:30:22,729 --> 00:30:24,729
- Yeah.
- They're not saying
"whistleblower."
568
00:30:24,824 --> 00:30:30,052
- Right.
- In new york, the story
the prosecution told
569
00:30:30,145 --> 00:30:34,814
Over six weeks
with 45 witnesses
570
00:30:34,834 --> 00:30:36,058
And hundreds of pieces
of evidence,
571
00:30:36,151 --> 00:30:39,336
It starts in '91,
and that's you.
572
00:30:39,487 --> 00:30:41,672
How did it feel to have
somebody telling the story
573
00:30:41,823 --> 00:30:43,674
Of those earliest years finally
in a court of law?
574
00:30:43,901 --> 00:30:48,512
I was happy
that women were being heard.
575
00:30:48,663 --> 00:30:51,849
For all the years
I was the girl
that lied on r. Kelly,
576
00:30:52,076 --> 00:30:55,185
Finally people are believing
that this happened.
577
00:30:55,337 --> 00:30:58,171
He really is that monster.
That really is him.
578
00:30:58,190 --> 00:31:01,674
Had aaliyah
come forward and said,
579
00:31:01,694 --> 00:31:05,028
- "hey, this happened to me."
- yeah.
580
00:31:05,180 --> 00:31:09,608
It would've some validity
to all of our stories, you know?
581
00:31:09,760 --> 00:31:11,443
Tiffany hawkins: This is
barry hankerson's niece,
582
00:31:11,537 --> 00:31:14,930
Gladys knight's niece.
Her family, they have money.
583
00:31:14,948 --> 00:31:17,857
They live in a nice,
affluent neighborhood,
you know what I mean?
584
00:31:17,951 --> 00:31:19,935
And we are the hood girls.
585
00:31:20,028 --> 00:31:22,454
But we also heard
in federal court,
586
00:31:22,548 --> 00:31:25,107
"why did they get married?"
he wanted to avoid jail.
587
00:31:25,125 --> 00:31:26,458
That was testimony in brooklyn.
588
00:31:26,610 --> 00:31:31,129
- Yep.
- No, I was not familiar
589
00:31:31,281 --> 00:31:33,465
With how the annulment
happened with aaliyah.
590
00:31:33,559 --> 00:31:36,727
When we went back on the road,
it was holiday time.
591
00:31:36,878 --> 00:31:40,546
I bought sweaters and gifts
for aaliyah for christmas,
592
00:31:40,566 --> 00:31:43,308
Delivered the stuff,
and they didn't want it.
593
00:31:43,460 --> 00:31:46,128
They sent it all back.
Robert hurt them, man.
594
00:31:46,221 --> 00:31:50,315
Robert hurt them.
Robert hurt them.
595
00:31:50,467 --> 00:31:53,151
Gem pratts:
What I heard happened
to cause the annulment
596
00:31:53,245 --> 00:31:56,154
Was her father said
this is not gonna fly.
597
00:31:56,248 --> 00:32:00,417
I've heard that they made
a contractual arrangement.
598
00:32:00,644 --> 00:32:02,978
He wasn't gonna press charges
against robert
599
00:32:02,996 --> 00:32:05,330
And robert
had to sell the rights
600
00:32:05,424 --> 00:32:09,426
To his first three albums
to the haughton family.
601
00:32:09,577 --> 00:32:12,003
It caused a, uh,
what I remember is strain
602
00:32:12,097 --> 00:32:15,006
With barry hankerson
being aaliyah's uncle.
603
00:32:15,159 --> 00:32:17,008
I remember aaliyah's father
was furious,
604
00:32:17,102 --> 00:32:20,829
And that was part of the
annulment pretty immediately
605
00:32:20,847 --> 00:32:22,013
When he found out about it.
606
00:32:22,166 --> 00:32:25,500
And rob,
he seemed heartbroken.
607
00:32:25,519 --> 00:32:28,019
Her dad didn't want her
anywhere near him,
608
00:32:28,172 --> 00:32:31,764
So subsequently
she moves to the east coast,
609
00:32:31,784 --> 00:32:33,266
And kind of hooks up
with timbaland
610
00:32:33,285 --> 00:32:35,177
And starts her second album.
611
00:32:35,195 --> 00:32:38,455
The homeland security agent
who took the stand
612
00:32:38,606 --> 00:32:40,940
Brought in and they
admitted into evidence
613
00:32:41,034 --> 00:32:42,292
An annulment document.
614
00:32:42,444 --> 00:32:43,852
Within the annulment
615
00:32:43,870 --> 00:32:46,371
There was additionally
a document
616
00:32:46,465 --> 00:32:49,800
That was basically what reads
as one of the first ndas
617
00:32:49,951 --> 00:32:53,470
That was probably created
to hide and keep forever buried
618
00:32:53,697 --> 00:32:55,547
What happened specifically
between them,
619
00:32:55,699 --> 00:32:58,124
Whether it was physical abuse,
sexual abuse,
620
00:32:58,218 --> 00:33:00,811
Mental abuse against a minor.
621
00:33:00,962 --> 00:33:02,628
What I read that,
I was horrified.
622
00:33:02,648 --> 00:33:04,556
We're talking about a child.
623
00:33:04,708 --> 00:33:08,986
If r. Kelly did not sexually
or physically abuse aaliyah,
624
00:33:09,137 --> 00:33:10,470
Why did he have
to put it in writing?
625
00:33:10,489 --> 00:33:12,731
This legal document
626
00:33:12,883 --> 00:33:16,493
Was kind of a light bulb
that went off for kelly.
627
00:33:16,644 --> 00:33:20,722
He realized he could use ndas
to further control his victims
in the future.
628
00:33:20,815 --> 00:33:22,574
As part of
the annulment agreement,
629
00:33:22,668 --> 00:33:25,577
Aaliyah and r. Kelly agreed
to sever all ties,
630
00:33:25,729 --> 00:33:29,006
And her family promised
not to hold kelly liable
631
00:33:29,157 --> 00:33:33,010
For further physical
or emotional trauma
from the relationship
632
00:33:33,161 --> 00:33:37,589
All in exchange for a payment
of $100 by kelly.
633
00:33:37,683 --> 00:33:42,668
Other sources say the figure
was actually $3 million.
634
00:33:42,688 --> 00:33:45,580
I'm probably two to three years
older than aaliyah is,
635
00:33:45,599 --> 00:33:47,432
Or would've been at this point.
636
00:33:47,584 --> 00:33:51,177
So if she had gotten married
at approximately 15,
637
00:33:51,196 --> 00:33:53,755
I was approximately 17 or 18.
638
00:33:53,774 --> 00:33:57,776
And so I remember thinking
that's quite young
639
00:33:57,928 --> 00:34:00,612
To get committed
to someone else,
640
00:34:00,764 --> 00:34:02,614
Particular someone
who's so senior to you.
641
00:34:02,708 --> 00:34:05,709
I think as a young girl
we have crushes on people,
642
00:34:05,936 --> 00:34:08,103
And we have crushes
on our teachers
643
00:34:08,121 --> 00:34:09,880
And, you know, older people.
644
00:34:10,031 --> 00:34:11,864
We might have had their poster
hanging up in the room.
645
00:34:11,884 --> 00:34:13,291
You might have them
as a screensaver.
646
00:34:13,443 --> 00:34:15,368
But if that person meets you,
647
00:34:15,387 --> 00:34:17,796
They should never want
to even look at you
648
00:34:17,948 --> 00:34:19,281
In that manner, you know?
649
00:34:19,299 --> 00:34:21,207
I just think that's a sickness.
650
00:34:21,226 --> 00:34:24,210
This trial,
this is all performative.
651
00:34:24,229 --> 00:34:25,804
This is all protocol.
652
00:34:25,956 --> 00:34:27,713
It's someone getting
due process.
653
00:34:27,733 --> 00:34:30,625
But at the end of the day,
we already know
654
00:34:30,644 --> 00:34:32,385
What has been going on here.
655
00:34:32,404 --> 00:34:34,571
You know,
this goes back to aaliyah.
656
00:34:34,722 --> 00:34:38,891
And when you see
the people who were there
657
00:34:38,911 --> 00:34:41,411
Speak about
having witnessed that...
658
00:34:43,490 --> 00:34:44,564
Hmm.
659
00:34:44,658 --> 00:34:46,474
This is not a witch hunt.
660
00:34:46,493 --> 00:34:51,922
This is the silencing
of a monster.
661
00:34:52,073 --> 00:34:54,833
It was really sad learning
as much as we did about aaliyah.
662
00:34:54,985 --> 00:34:59,262
I think two or three days
after marrying her,
663
00:34:59,414 --> 00:35:01,414
R. Kelly was back
at his own concert
664
00:35:01,508 --> 00:35:03,675
And raped another girl.
665
00:35:03,769 --> 00:35:07,495
For anybody who still wants
to continue with the myth
666
00:35:07,514 --> 00:35:09,773
That he and aaliyah
were true love,
667
00:35:09,924 --> 00:35:12,925
You know, the heartbroken guy
who thought he had true love
668
00:35:12,945 --> 00:35:14,594
And just married
the love of his life,
669
00:35:14,688 --> 00:35:16,113
And in less than a week,
670
00:35:16,264 --> 00:35:17,948
Another sexual assault
allegation.
671
00:35:22,121 --> 00:35:24,512
The fact that one of the victims
who testified is addie,
672
00:35:24,531 --> 00:35:27,773
Claimed to have
been raped by kelly
673
00:35:27,793 --> 00:35:31,294
Just within days
of the aaliyah marriage
was mind-blowing.
674
00:35:44,643 --> 00:35:46,977
Addie was jane doe #8.
675
00:35:47,128 --> 00:35:50,647
Addie's allegations were not
part of any of the charges
676
00:35:50,798 --> 00:35:52,707
That jurors
had to deliberate on.
677
00:35:52,800 --> 00:35:54,726
She was just there to prove
678
00:35:54,878 --> 00:35:58,563
That r. Kelly had predatory
pattern of behavior.
679
00:35:58,715 --> 00:36:03,476
I know addie from 2019
when she contacted me
680
00:36:03,495 --> 00:36:07,222
And said that she wanted
to talk to me about r. Kelly.
681
00:36:07,240 --> 00:36:09,315
She's from miami.
She's puerto rican.
682
00:36:09,334 --> 00:36:11,893
We were, like, the same.
683
00:36:11,912 --> 00:36:14,245
I didn't know
she was gonna testify.
684
00:36:14,398 --> 00:36:16,231
She never told me.
685
00:36:16,249 --> 00:36:19,417
It happened to her in 1994.
686
00:36:19,569 --> 00:36:21,586
She met him at a concert.
687
00:36:21,738 --> 00:36:23,829
And I met him in 1995.
688
00:36:23,924 --> 00:36:27,142
She went to the one
where aaliyah was
supposed to be there.
689
00:36:31,839 --> 00:36:35,025
One of the most interesting
things about addie's testimony
690
00:36:35,176 --> 00:36:37,085
Was seeing how it fit
on the timeline
691
00:36:37,103 --> 00:36:39,103
Of r. Kelly's pattern of abuse.
692
00:36:39,198 --> 00:36:43,591
Aaliyah and r. Kelly got married
on August 31st, 1994.
693
00:36:43,610 --> 00:36:46,594
Aaliyah and r. Kelly were
supposed to perform together
694
00:36:46,688 --> 00:36:49,597
At the superfest concert
in miami.
695
00:36:49,616 --> 00:36:53,543
But aaliyah didn't go,
to the shock of many fans
that were there,
696
00:36:53,695 --> 00:36:55,378
Because she had
gotten married,
697
00:36:55,530 --> 00:36:57,380
And from the standpoint
of r. Kelly,
698
00:36:57,532 --> 00:37:00,383
Was expecting a baby
at 15 years old.
699
00:37:00,535 --> 00:37:03,795
All of us journalists
that were listening to her,
we were all just in shock
700
00:37:03,947 --> 00:37:07,966
That r. Kelly,
two days after forging documents
701
00:37:08,118 --> 00:37:09,875
To marry 15-year-old aaliyah,
702
00:37:09,970 --> 00:37:12,804
He didn't even blink an eyelash
when it came to addie.
703
00:37:12,898 --> 00:37:15,232
He was just like, "oh,
I solved my aaliyah problem,
704
00:37:15,383 --> 00:37:18,235
And now I can continue to do
everything that I like to do."
705
00:37:18,462 --> 00:37:20,128
There were other people
in the room.
706
00:37:20,146 --> 00:37:21,980
The grown adults walked
out the room
707
00:37:22,132 --> 00:37:24,390
And left her in there alone.
708
00:37:24,409 --> 00:37:27,318
Nobody stood up for her.
Nobody said this was wrong.
709
00:37:27,471 --> 00:37:32,249
I was in shock.
The things that she detailed,
I mean, he raped her.
710
00:37:32,476 --> 00:37:36,586
It shows that r. Kelly didn't
think he was really doing
anything wrong at all,
711
00:37:36,813 --> 00:37:40,090
That he thought he was above
any sort of wrongdoing
that could be placed on him.
712
00:37:42,744 --> 00:37:44,261
I called her right away,
713
00:37:44,412 --> 00:37:46,488
And I said, "oh, my god.
How do you feel?"
714
00:37:46,506 --> 00:37:49,099
And she said,
"I feel so much better."
715
00:37:49,250 --> 00:37:53,344
And I was like,
"really? You weren't nervous
or anything on the stand?"
716
00:37:53,438 --> 00:37:57,607
And she was like, "no.
I'm not afraid to speak out.
717
00:37:57,759 --> 00:38:00,944
I was back then,
but I feel so much better
718
00:38:01,095 --> 00:38:04,764
That I was able
to get on the stand and see him
and speak my truth."
719
00:38:04,783 --> 00:38:06,841
I'm very proud of her.
720
00:38:06,934 --> 00:38:09,101
We're talking about
a post #metoo era.
721
00:38:09,121 --> 00:38:12,789
We're talking about a time
where women are more willing
722
00:38:13,016 --> 00:38:15,107
To speak up
and speak their truths.
723
00:38:15,201 --> 00:38:18,461
So this incredible icon,
724
00:38:18,613 --> 00:38:20,705
Even though she was no longer
on this planet,
725
00:38:20,857 --> 00:38:23,691
He was getting what he deserved.
726
00:38:23,785 --> 00:38:26,636
If that isn't
the greatest redemption,
then I don't know what is.
727
00:38:34,538 --> 00:38:38,648
I know you guys are used to
hearing me talk about other
people's experiences,
728
00:38:38,800 --> 00:38:40,817
And people inbox me
all the time,
729
00:38:40,968 --> 00:38:43,969
"hey, did anything
ever happen to you?
730
00:38:43,989 --> 00:38:47,065
Why didn't you
talk about yourself?
Are you ashamed?"
731
00:38:47,159 --> 00:38:50,827
And the answer is yes, yes,
yes, yes, and yes.
732
00:38:51,054 --> 00:38:52,887
Who wants to be associated
with this?
733
00:38:52,980 --> 00:38:54,722
This is not a badge of honor.
734
00:38:54,741 --> 00:38:56,891
It's not something
that you gloat in.
735
00:38:56,984 --> 00:38:58,576
It's not something
that you delight in.
736
00:38:58,670 --> 00:39:02,505
Who wants to be a part
of a human trafficking ring
737
00:39:02,657 --> 00:39:05,157
Or even admit that
that even happened to them?
738
00:39:05,177 --> 00:39:07,752
People ostracize you,
you're set aside.
739
00:39:07,846 --> 00:39:12,015
The people that you expect
to support you the most
740
00:39:12,166 --> 00:39:14,684
Treat you the worst.
741
00:39:14,836 --> 00:39:17,854
So I wasn't ready
to deal with that.
742
00:39:18,081 --> 00:39:20,506
It wasn't something
that I ever thought
743
00:39:20,525 --> 00:39:22,359
Would ever come to forefront.
744
00:39:22,510 --> 00:39:25,269
Never thought anybody
would ever know
745
00:39:25,422 --> 00:39:26,529
What happened to me.
746
00:39:34,114 --> 00:39:36,188
My information,
where I was working,
747
00:39:36,208 --> 00:39:38,449
Had been placed out
for public view
748
00:39:38,602 --> 00:39:40,359
And I was being harassed.
749
00:39:40,379 --> 00:39:42,712
And at that moment,
in that hour,
750
00:39:42,939 --> 00:39:45,623
Because I had been so quiet
for so long,
751
00:39:45,775 --> 00:39:47,775
I was like,
"why are you picking on me?
752
00:39:47,794 --> 00:39:50,202
I'm the least vocal
out of everyone."
753
00:39:50,222 --> 00:39:52,280
And then I got angry.
754
00:39:52,298 --> 00:39:53,706
If you're sending
these people,
755
00:39:53,800 --> 00:39:55,374
If you know these people.
756
00:39:55,468 --> 00:39:57,785
You don't get to do this.
757
00:39:57,879 --> 00:40:01,046
And so I thought
about my daughter
758
00:40:01,141 --> 00:40:04,401
And what I would want her to do
and how I would support her,
759
00:40:04,552 --> 00:40:06,236
And I was like, "no."
760
00:40:06,387 --> 00:40:08,813
The only way
that any of this will stop
761
00:40:08,907 --> 00:40:10,389
Is if you're exposed.
762
00:40:10,409 --> 00:40:12,909
And not speaking out
all this time
763
00:40:13,060 --> 00:40:15,637
Only afforded him the ability
to continue to do it
764
00:40:15,730 --> 00:40:19,991
Over and over and over again.
765
00:40:20,143 --> 00:40:23,311
It wasn't about me,
tiffany, aaliyah.
766
00:40:23,329 --> 00:40:26,589
It was about anyone's daughter,
anyone's son.
767
00:40:26,816 --> 00:40:30,593
This has to stop,
and it has to stop now.
768
00:40:30,820 --> 00:40:33,430
I'm not keeping your garbage.
I'm telling.
769
00:40:40,664 --> 00:40:45,591
One of my regrets as a reporter
is that I did not realize
770
00:40:45,685 --> 00:40:47,927
That kelly had methodically
771
00:40:48,021 --> 00:40:50,930
Made his way
through second chapter.
772
00:40:51,024 --> 00:40:55,267
Three high school girls
from the south side of chicago
773
00:40:55,361 --> 00:40:57,845
Who get to travel
to paris, amsterdam,
774
00:40:57,939 --> 00:41:02,292
Rome, london, singing
behind their best friend,
775
00:41:02,519 --> 00:41:05,110
A couple years younger
than they are-- aaliyah.
776
00:41:05,130 --> 00:41:10,783
And kelly simultaneously
is sexually abusing
777
00:41:10,802 --> 00:41:14,095
Each of those young women
and their friends.
778
00:41:20,704 --> 00:41:23,646
We went through a lot.
We experienced a lot.
779
00:41:23,873 --> 00:41:25,648
We saw a lot. Um...
780
00:41:28,378 --> 00:41:30,545
It was a period of time
781
00:41:30,638 --> 00:41:32,822
When we were
just trying to make it.
782
00:41:32,974 --> 00:41:36,993
We had big dreams,
and we thought we were
gonna be somebody.
783
00:41:40,573 --> 00:41:42,907
A lot of people
who loved and adored him.
784
00:41:43,059 --> 00:41:47,729
And I can't stress to you enough
how people are still suffering
785
00:41:47,747 --> 00:41:51,674
Behind things that went on
20 years ago.
786
00:42:01,578 --> 00:42:03,686
I didn't know I was going to be
a part of the investigation.
787
00:42:03,838 --> 00:42:05,263
I had no idea.
788
00:42:05,415 --> 00:42:09,767
Finding out that I was one
of the jane does
789
00:42:09,919 --> 00:42:11,861
Was a bittersweet moment.
790
00:42:12,013 --> 00:42:15,365
I was willing to be forthcoming
where I had not.
791
00:42:19,687 --> 00:42:21,955
I called my dad.
792
00:42:25,435 --> 00:42:28,027
And I said, "they got him."
793
00:42:28,046 --> 00:42:30,029
He said,
"jo, what you mean?"
794
00:42:30,123 --> 00:42:32,774
And he really didn't understand
795
00:42:32,792 --> 00:42:35,200
Because I never really told him
796
00:42:35,220 --> 00:42:39,538
Because he was always
so proud of the fact
797
00:42:39,558 --> 00:42:43,451
That he thought
that I got away.
798
00:42:43,544 --> 00:42:48,189
And I said,
"dad, what's done in the dark
always comes to light."
799
00:42:54,480 --> 00:42:58,074
I lost my dad.
The funeral was the first day
of the trial.
800
00:42:58,301 --> 00:43:03,304
The idea of having
to take that on by myself,
801
00:43:03,323 --> 00:43:04,581
I was scared out my mind.
802
00:43:08,420 --> 00:43:09,502
But...
803
00:43:11,664 --> 00:43:15,574
I understood if I didn't,
it was gonna all fall apart.
804
00:43:15,668 --> 00:43:17,168
There wasn't any way around it.
805
00:43:17,320 --> 00:43:19,003
The day that I had
to take the stand
806
00:43:19,155 --> 00:43:20,579
Was very surreal.
807
00:43:20,599 --> 00:43:23,674
The authorities
do not prep you for trial.
808
00:43:23,827 --> 00:43:26,010
They tell you to tell the truth.
That's it.
809
00:43:26,162 --> 00:43:29,163
I had my stare face on.
I would look that way
810
00:43:29,182 --> 00:43:31,182
When I finally got into a seat
where I could see him,
811
00:43:31,276 --> 00:43:33,684
But his head was down.
812
00:43:33,837 --> 00:43:34,927
Now here's the thing.
813
00:43:35,021 --> 00:43:36,929
I met him at 14.75,
814
00:43:36,948 --> 00:43:39,264
So that means right before
my 15th birthday.
815
00:43:39,359 --> 00:43:42,176
Unfortunately,
my very first experience
816
00:43:42,269 --> 00:43:44,287
Was my very first time
meeting him.
817
00:43:47,274 --> 00:43:51,110
Without going into details,
let's just say
818
00:43:51,204 --> 00:43:53,963
Sexual misconduct
with minors, period.
819
00:43:56,025 --> 00:43:58,042
People have asked me,
and I would always say,
820
00:43:58,136 --> 00:43:59,861
"oh, not me. Not me."
821
00:43:59,954 --> 00:44:01,212
Because there
was a level of shame
822
00:44:01,306 --> 00:44:02,380
That comes with that.
823
00:44:02,474 --> 00:44:03,789
I was in situation where
824
00:44:03,883 --> 00:44:05,199
I was pressured to do things
825
00:44:05,218 --> 00:44:07,060
That I just
didn't really wanna do.
826
00:44:15,561 --> 00:44:18,880
Larry hood got right up there
and validated everything
827
00:44:18,973 --> 00:44:20,156
That had came out of my mouth
on accident.
828
00:44:20,383 --> 00:44:21,491
He didn't even mean
to do that.
829
00:44:28,500 --> 00:44:30,408
Aaliyah's not from chicago.
830
00:44:30,502 --> 00:44:33,336
For you to say, "oh, those were
here little friends,"
831
00:44:33,487 --> 00:44:35,838
Well, let's just say this.
832
00:44:36,065 --> 00:44:37,840
How the hell would
she get some friends here?
833
00:44:37,992 --> 00:44:41,419
How would she have known us?
Explain that part.
834
00:44:41,513 --> 00:44:43,012
You can't.
835
00:44:49,762 --> 00:44:52,596
The very first night
that I met robert,
he was at robert's home.
836
00:44:52,691 --> 00:44:56,109
Him and demetrius smith and-=-
837
00:44:57,845 --> 00:45:01,197
Yes.
Yes, bruce was there as well.
838
00:45:01,424 --> 00:45:03,758
Bruce and carey
were around all the time.
839
00:45:03,851 --> 00:45:07,929
Bruce was always out
on the road with us
and around the studio.
840
00:45:07,947 --> 00:45:10,281
The boys knew.
What I mean by the boys,
I mean the brothers.
841
00:45:10,375 --> 00:45:11,332
They knew. They knew.
842
00:45:16,940 --> 00:45:20,550
I went to europe in 1995,
and that was, like--
843
00:45:20,701 --> 00:45:23,720
I think that was
the second part of his
european "12 play" tour.
844
00:45:23,947 --> 00:45:26,538
So he had killer
and bruce around him,
845
00:45:26,558 --> 00:45:30,042
And then demetrius,
barry hankerson,
846
00:45:30,136 --> 00:45:34,138
And I just remember
there was always young girls
around backstage.
847
00:45:34,290 --> 00:45:35,973
Like, they were young.
848
00:45:36,125 --> 00:45:37,975
They looked like they were 13,
14 years old.
849
00:45:38,127 --> 00:45:41,629
You could tell by their skin
they're not fully developed.
850
00:45:41,647 --> 00:45:44,131
I'm just looking like,
"something don't seem right."
851
00:45:44,150 --> 00:45:45,983
And I guess they all knew.
Nobody cared.
852
00:45:46,077 --> 00:45:47,577
Everybody was just happy to
get a check and be on the road
853
00:45:47,804 --> 00:45:50,229
And to live that
hollywood celebrity life.
854
00:45:50,248 --> 00:45:52,248
Nobody would say,
"oh, they're young."
855
00:45:52,399 --> 00:45:55,476
Nobody cared.
856
00:45:55,495 --> 00:45:58,254
I was not in
a relationship with him.
I wasn't a girlfriend.
857
00:45:58,481 --> 00:46:00,331
I wasn't somebody
who was trying to date him.
858
00:46:00,483 --> 00:46:03,818
We were told that
it was paying our dues,
859
00:46:03,911 --> 00:46:04,910
And that either
we were gonna sing
860
00:46:04,929 --> 00:46:06,487
Or we were gonna go to school,
861
00:46:06,506 --> 00:46:07,989
And to make a decision.
862
00:46:08,082 --> 00:46:10,249
And if we were gonna sing,
863
00:46:10,343 --> 00:46:12,827
"take your shirt off.
Dance for me."
864
00:46:12,920 --> 00:46:15,021
I never thought anybody
would ever know.
865
00:46:18,777 --> 00:46:22,445
So many times people said
I wasn't where I was,
866
00:46:22,596 --> 00:46:25,615
That I wasn't doing
what I said I was doing.
867
00:46:27,527 --> 00:46:31,120
And in that hour,
god reminded me
868
00:46:31,347 --> 00:46:34,457
That what happened to me
was not insignificant.
869
00:46:34,684 --> 00:46:39,962
I was not just
some stupid little girl,
870
00:46:40,189 --> 00:46:44,191
That I was a child,
and that what happened to me
871
00:46:44,285 --> 00:46:47,970
Not only would it be
brought to public light,
872
00:46:48,197 --> 00:46:51,432
But that he would be penalized
and punished finally.
873
00:46:58,650 --> 00:47:01,058
Speaking out gave me
my power back.
874
00:47:01,210 --> 00:47:02,710
It gave me my voice back.
875
00:47:02,803 --> 00:47:06,564
I can't heal if I'm hiding.
876
00:47:06,716 --> 00:47:09,141
I lost a lot of things
this year,
877
00:47:09,160 --> 00:47:11,052
A lot of people,
878
00:47:11,070 --> 00:47:12,453
But I found me.
879
00:47:13,739 --> 00:47:17,725
I was so proud of myself.
880
00:47:17,743 --> 00:47:20,061
I no longer had anything
881
00:47:20,154 --> 00:47:21,671
That somebody could hold
over my head
882
00:47:21,822 --> 00:47:25,657
Because I had spoke for myself,
and that brought me joy.
883
00:47:25,677 --> 00:47:28,994
I had to be confident within
myself and believe in me
884
00:47:29,088 --> 00:47:32,014
And know that not only
did I survive,
885
00:47:32,241 --> 00:47:33,516
I survived r. Kelly.
886
00:47:48,091 --> 00:47:52,184
Sonia was a radio intern
and thought she was gonna come
for an interview.
887
00:47:52,203 --> 00:47:56,263
Sonia:
I ended up waking up
on the couch
888
00:47:56,357 --> 00:48:00,601
Feeling extremely tired,
so confused.
889
00:48:00,620 --> 00:48:04,029
And then r. Kelly
was doing up his pants.
890
00:48:04,123 --> 00:48:07,291
She was locked in a room,
not really given much
to eat or drink.
891
00:48:07,385 --> 00:48:10,961
Sonia:
So I didn't understand, like,
really what was happening.
892
00:48:11,055 --> 00:48:13,948
A jury began deliberations today
893
00:48:13,966 --> 00:48:16,283
In the federal trial
of singer r. Kelly.
894
00:48:16,302 --> 00:48:19,286
- How's your client feeling?
- Stressed.
895
00:48:19,380 --> 00:48:21,789
I would imagine
r. Kelly was nervous.
896
00:48:21,882 --> 00:48:24,716
Jury!
R. Kelly is an innocent man!
897
00:48:24,810 --> 00:48:26,293
If it comes back not guilty,
898
00:48:26,312 --> 00:48:28,312
People are gonna
really give it to us then,
899
00:48:28,406 --> 00:48:31,890
Make us out to be liars.
900
00:48:31,910 --> 00:48:34,059
People that have money
that are guilty, they walk.
901
00:48:34,153 --> 00:48:37,154
The first trial,
they had videos,
902
00:48:37,306 --> 00:48:38,806
And he was still acquitted.
903
00:48:38,899 --> 00:48:43,235
After this incredible push
led by black women,
904
00:48:43,329 --> 00:48:44,670
Is this really going to happen?