TIME’S UP Response to R. Kelly Trial Guilty Verdict
Culture, Equity, Power, Safety
Contact: press@timesupnow.org
In response to today’s verdict in the trial of R. Kelly, Monifa Bandele, Interim President and CEO of TIME’S UP, issued the following statement:
“Today, R. Kelly was found guilty on all counts filed against him by a federal jury in the sex-trafficking and racketeering trial in Brooklyn, New York. Yet despite today’s outcome, it is unthinkable that any survivor would have to endure the painful, public nature of this trial. While we know that the criminal legal system is unable to repair the trauma, harm and devastation survivors experience, we hope that this verdict brings some measure of healing justice for those directly impacted by this case and for the broader survivor community.
It must be acknowledged that no level of accountability would be possible at all without the years of tireless activism and organizing by survivors and advocates, specifically Black women advocates for survivors like Oronike Odeleye, Kenyette Tisha Barnes, and the #MuteRKelly movement. As TIME’S UP has stated before, the stories of Black survivors have, for far too long, been routinely dismissed, disbelieved, and disenfranchised from the media narrative around sexual abuse and misconduct. We commend their courage, as well as the courage of those who have chosen not to share their stories, and we will continue to demand safety, justice, and support in the healing journeys for all survivors.”
For healing resources for survivors, please visit weasourselves.org/resources
TIME’S UP Foundation
The TIME’S UP™ Foundation insists upon safe, fair, and dignified work for all by changing culture, companies, and laws. We enable more people to seek justice through the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund™. We pioneer innovative research driving toward solutions to address systemic inequality and injustice in the workplace through the TIME’S UP Impact Lab. And we reshape key industries from within so they serve as a model for all industries. The TIME’S UP Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.