Protesters Demand RCA Records Drop R. Kelly at Rally Outside Sony HQ
DROP HIM
Joshua Lott/Reuters
Protesters gathered in front of Sony Music’s New York City headquarters on Wednesday to demand that the label drop rapper and producer R. Kelly following the numerous sexual-abuse allegations against him. Additionally, the organizers delivered a petition signed by more than 200,000 people demanding that label RCA Records drop Kelly as a client. Sony Music, through its label RCA Records, represents Kelly. Organizers of the protest also presented RCA with a “Record Label of Shame” award. The Lifetime documentary series Surviving R. Kelly has reignited fervor for dropping Kelly and finding justice for his alleged victims. The Mute R. Kelly hashtag has flooded social media, protests have been held outside his concerts, and some celebrities have apologized for working with the artist in the past. Some streaming services and radio stations have also pledged to no longer play Kelly’s music.