In a preview clip from “Surviving R. Kelly” shared on Wednesday, it features his former backup singer Jovante Cunningham who claims she witnessed Kelly and an at the time a then-underage Aaliyah having sex on a tour bus.
“We were out on the road with Aaliyah. On a tour bus, there really aren’t many confined spaces. When you get on the bus there are bunks and so these bunks have little curtains you can pull at night if you don’t want anybody to see you sleeping,” she explained.
“So, it just so happened we were all laying in our bunks and the curtains are open, everybody’s communicating, laughing,” Cunningham continued. “When the [room] door flew open on the bus, Robert was having sex with Aaliyah.”
Aaliyah’s mom Diane Haughton released a statement on these latest claims, denying that this did not occur. Further adding that Jovante’s story was created with “lies and fabrications that cannot be tolerated” and should be spewed from “the forked tongues” of her daughter’s “saboteurs.”
“The woman and so-called backup singer that describes seeing, meeting or ever breathing the same air as my daughter, Aaliyah, is lying and is a liar,” Haughton wrote in a public statement. “My husband and I were always on tour with her and at interviews and every place she went throughout her entire career. Whoever this woman is, I have never seen her before anywhere on planet earth, until now.”
“My daughter only wanted to realize her dream of sharing her talent with the world, and give her all performing on stage and in front of the camera for the fans she adored so much. She realized that dream, thanks to those true fans who still love and support her legacy unconditionally to this day,” Houghton’s statement continued. “Shame on all those involved in this project who thought it kosher to drag Aaliyah’s name into a situation that has nothing to do with her today. Once again, this will not be tolerated.”
The documentary also features his alleged victims/survivors and a few people from his inner circle who claim they saw him physically, sexually and mentally abuse these women.
This is set to air tonight on Lifetime.
Trailer for “Surviving R. Kelly”: