People
NEW YORK — Multiple outlets have reported that Sony Music has dropped embattled R&B star R. Kelly from its roster.
The announcement comes two weeks after the popular documentary series “Surviving R. Kelly” drew fresh attention to the sex abuse allegations against R. Kelly, which have dogged him most of his career. The #MeToo and #MuteRKelly movements have held protests, demanding his music be dropped from streaming services and beyond.
Lady Gaga and Celine Dion recently removed their duets with R. Kelly from streaming services and French rock band Phoenix apologized for collaborating with the singer in 2013.
R. Kelly has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct involving women and underage girls.
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NEW YORK — Actor Anthony Rapp said he came forward with sexual misconduct allegations against Kevin Spacey because he feared assaults could “keep happening” if he said nothing.
The younger actor spoke about the incident on the red carpet for the second season of his streaming series, “Star Trek Discovery” on Thursday in New York. He said he hoped he did his part to “change the culture.”
In 2017, Rapp alleged that Spacey made an unwanted sexual advance during a house party in 1986 when he was 14 and Spacey was 26. Rapp sought legal counsel at the time, but no charges were filed.
The incident was dormant until a flurry of sexual misconduct allegations surfaced about Harvey Weinstein, prompting Rapp to come forward. Spacey responded that he did not remember such an encounter but apologized if the allegations were true.
More than a year later, Rapp is proud of the decision to tell his story. “I know that it's something that needs continued movement forward and I'm going to keep doing my best to be a part of the movement forward,” Rapp said.
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BOSTON Michael Phelps is picking up more hardware — this time for what he's been doing outside the pool.
The Boston-based Ruderman Family Foundation, a leading voice in calling for more opportunities for the disabled, said Tuesday the Olympic champion is the recipient of its fifth annual Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion.
The foundation told The Associated Press it picked the world's most decorated swimmer of all time to recognize his advocacy for people with disabilities and “his own journey with mental health.”
Phelps has gone public about his struggles with depression and thoughts of suicide.
Last year, the 23-time Olympic gold medalist announced a partnership with Talkspace , which provides online therapy for those who are going through tough times. Phelps said helping people overcome the dark chapters in their lives is “way bigger than ever winning gold medals.”
In a statement, the 33-year-old Olympian thanked the Ruderman Family Foundation for “their continued efforts to help eliminate the shame and stigma that surrounds mental illness.”
