R&B singer, songwriter and producer, Robert Sylvester Kelly professionally known as R Kelly, has unequivocally and vehemently denied allegations he is holding young women against their will in a "cult" atmosphere whiling controlling their lives with physical and verbal abuse.
But Kelly's lawyer, Linda Mensch, strongly rejected the claims. "Mr Robert Kelly is both alarmed and disturbed at the recent revelations attributed to him," she said.
"Mr. Kelly unequivocally denies such allegations and will work diligently and forcibly to pursue his accusers and clear his name."
Reports from Buzzfeed accused the musician of brainwashing women who got close to him in order to further their musical careers.
According to three former members of Kelly's inner circle quoted by Buzzfeed, he dictates "what they eat, how they dress, when they bathe, when they sleep, and how they engage in sexual encounters that he records".
The article alleges the singer confiscates the women's phones so they cannot contact friends and family and enforces strict rules for his so-called "babies".
Parents of one woman said to be living with the 50-year-old claim their daughter is being held against her will.
On Monday, one of the women, Joycelyn Savage, told celebrity site TMZ she was not in a cult and living Kelly’s house on her own volition.
Buzzfeed News said it stands fully behind its report.
