Moviegoers had to evacuate a New York screening of the Lifetime documentary “Surviving R. Kelly” after anonymous callers reportedly phoned in threats.
The managers of NeueHouse Madison Square, where the screening was held, evacuated the building after an unknown caller said someone inside the theater would begin shooting if the film continued to play, according to CNN.
"As a precaution, the network chose to evacuate the building. The safety and security of our panel, guests and staff is of paramount importance to Lifetime," the network said in a statement.
After investigating, the New York Police Department determined the threats were not credible.
Following the evacuation, many attendees took to Twitter to tweet about the incident using the hashtag #MuteRKelly. Several in attendance, including MeToo founder Tarana Burke, were disappointed the alleged victims were silenced due to the private screening’s cancellation.
The worst of it isn’t the threat though bc it didn’t appear to be credible but the survivors who had to endure his harassment. #muteRkelly
— Tarana (@TaranaBurke) December 5, 2018
I appreciate everyone who checked in on me. I’m good. I’m angry because those women deserved to be heard and that didn’t happen tonight. But they will be heard and this is not over. #survivingRkelly
— Jamilah Lemieux🖤 (@JamilahLemieux) December 5, 2018
I was at the screening of the documentary “Surviving R Kelly” when we were asked to leave due to a security threat. The screening was cancelled. Exact threat not clear. Folks in attendance believe it’s directly tied to someone who doesn’t want us to see the truth of R Kelly.
— Terrell J. Starr (@Russian_Starr) December 5, 2018
Our 6 part docuseries, Surviving R Kelly airs on Lifetime Friday, January 3rd-5th. The survivors who came forward, (there are decades of girls who understandably did not), deserve all the love and support we can give them.
— dream hampton (@dreamhampton) December 5, 2018
In the flick, which traces the vocalist’s childhood to present day, several accusers discuss their relationships with the R&B singer, including his ex-wife Andrea Kelly, who recently spoke out about the abuse she said she endured during her 13-year marriage to him.
In addition to remarks from accusers, the film also features appearances from celebrities and family members, such as singer John Legend, talk show host Wendy Williams, Burke and R. Kelly’s brothers. Overall, the project includes more than 50 interviews.
The six-part docuseries is set to air on Lifetime at 9 p.m. ET Thursday, Jan. 3, Friday, Jan. 4 and Saturday, Jan. 5.
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