In a recent interview, R. Kelly’s ex-wife says she plans to sue Lifetime over her appearance in a trailer for the second installment of the groundbreaking docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly.”
On Wednesday, the trailer dropped for “Surviving R. Kelly, Part II: The Reckoning,” which will cover some of the backlash and developments that took place for the troubled singer after January’s “Surviving R. Kelly” dropped. Both documentaries cover the accounts of women who accuse Kelly of sexual abuse.
»RELATED: R. Kelly's continued abuse allegations lead to second 'Surviving R. Kelly'
Though Drea Kelly was involved with the first documentary, she told TMZ on Wednesday that Lifetime used her image to promote the sequel without her knowledge.
Credit: Marcus Ingram
Credit: Marcus Ingram
Kelly, who lives in metro Atlanta, told TMZ Live host Harvey Levin that producers of the “Surviving” docuseries reached out to her children and family though she asked them not to contact her and her family for the second installment. Lifetime also used her image in the promotional footage.
“They [Lifetime] have a lawsuit coming their way, because I told them vehemently I will not be a part of it in any shape, form or fashion. I told them I will not film...I did not sign any release forms.”
In addition to Kelly’s beef with her image being used, she also expressed concern about how producers of the series treated the victims who shared their stories after it aired earlier this year. For instance, Kelly said she and others who appeared in “Surviving” were affected by a bomb threat in New York while promoting the show, but the Lifetime team did not provide additional security or protection.
“I’m not happy with the aftercare and how the victims and survivors were handled,” she said on the show Wednesday. “There’s no support of the women coming forward,” Kelly said, adding that once the ratings and revenue came in the producers had a “whatever happens happens” attitude about the victims.
»MORE: Atlanta attorney: It's time for R. Kelly to face criminal charges
After the original documentary series aired, the “Bump N Grind” singer was dropped by his label. Accusers came forward with allegations, leading to the singer's arrest in multiple jurisdictions on multiple charges. The 52-year-old is scheduled to stand trial next year for those charges.
Like the original, "Surviving R. Kelly, Part II: The Reckoning" will run for six hours over three nights. The series, which will premiere Jan. 2, will present new stories from accusers of the singer's alleged abuse as well as expert insights into the continuing saga.
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