Singer R: Kelly Denies 'Sex Cult' Allegations

R.Kelly

R. Kelly on Monday denied allegations that he is holding several women over the age of consent as sex slaves.

"Mr. Robert Kelly is both alarmed and disturbed at the recent revelations attributed to him," his attorney, Linda S. Mensch, said in a statement obtained by The LATimes. "Mr. Kelly unequivocally denies such allegations and will work diligently and forcibly to pursue his accusers and clear his name."

The allegations, published Monday by BuzzFeed, come from the parents of several women alleged to be under Kelly's sway. Writer Jim DeRogatis — the former Chicago Sun-Times pop music critic who has extensively reported on allegations that Kelly was involved sexually with numerous underage girls — also interviewed three people identified as former members of the singer's inner circle.

According to the story, a half-dozen women live in properties the singer rents and do what he tells them to do, including engaging "in sexual encounters that he records."

BuzzFeed reported that two families had sought help from police but the women have rebuffed attempts by authorities or their parents to investigate or to bring them home, reports Reuters.

Kelly is one of the most successful R&B artists of the last two decades, with three Grammy awards, 12 studio albums and some 40 million records sold worldwide.

In 2008, the "I Believe I Can Fly" crooner was acquitted on child-pornography charges stemming from a leaked videotape. Now 50, he has settled multiple lawsuits involving sexual misconduct allegations.