Singer R. Kelly has been symbolically banned from Philadelphia following the recent passage of a city council resolution.
Philadelphia Council-member Helen Gym proposed the resolution following startling revelations made about Kelly's life in the documentary series "Surviving R. Kelly," which aired early January on Lifetime. The resolution passed unanimously on Jan. 31, CBS Philly reported. The resolution also comes amid the ongoing #MuteRKelly movement, a social media campaign that aims to boycott the singer's music and performances.
Kelly's alleged crimes span several decades and include forms of sexual abuse against young women. He continues to deny all allegations made against him and he has not been convicted of any sex crimes.
Gym said the bill serves as a statement for Philadelphia that “this city doesn’t welcome” him.
“We will not accept a future where rape is accepted, and rapists and sexual predators get away with their acts,” Gym told The Philadelphia Inquirer. “I believe that R. Kelly and predators like him should be shamed and banished from the public sphere.”
While Kelly will not be arrested if he enters the city, she sees the resolution as an act of solidarity with survivors.
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