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The womens testimonies are indeed moving and necessary, and we should honor their perspectives.
Aesthetically, the documentary trades in the coarse rhythms of a tabloid.
It is easy, especially now, to acknowledge the monstrousness of R. Kelly.
Questions surrounding the complicity of those interviewed go unasked.
Certain details about the timeline of his relationships are left vague.
They slink onto the stage in matching outfits.
Leslie Big Lez Segar, who interviewed them, recounts to the filmmakers what an uneasy situation it was.
In reality, everyone knew about R. Kellys behavior.
He wasnt hiding in plain sight as ChicagoSun-Timesjournalist Kathy Chaney and others pronounce in the documentary.
We were all privy to this people just didnt care.
The truth is more damning.
Sometimes, the complicity these figures represent isnt direct.
Do they regret their choices?
But it is more than that.
Sparkle speaks in contradictions.
Hes an all-around nice guy, she proclaims before saying, Robert is a master manipulator.
People in his circle knew.
This isnt to saySurviving R. Kellyis without merit.
Witnessing these womens testimonies is bruising, for reasons personal and cultural.
I was particularly moved whenever Jovante Cunningham, a former background singer of R. Kellys, appeared onscreen.
Shes forthright, reflective, and focused, even amid tears.
But the docuseries often undermines these testimonies.
only for their composure to crack and tears to fall, the camera never moving from their visage.
But his absence only highlights the narrative and journalistic holes.)
The camera crew follows Michelle as she searches hotels for Dominique.
At one point she huddles in a corner, crying, her back turned to the camera.
But she is given no privacy for the devastation she experiences.
The results arent as uplifting.
Yes, there is value in bearing witness to these womens testimonies.
An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Lyric R. Cabral directedSurviving R. Kelly.
In fact, Dream Hampton is the executive producer and showrunner.
Cabral is directing adifferent documentaryabout R. Kelly.
