Dream Hampton, the executive producer and showrunner of the Lifetime docuseries Surviving R. Kelly, was caught off guard by the recent sex abuse charges against the R&B star, and hopes that he will finally “acknowledge the harm that he has caused.”
“I can’t say that I expected an indictment,” Hampton told Good Morning America Saturday (Feb. 23). “I don’t have much faith in the criminal justice system — particularly after what happened during his first trial. But I am going to remain with the families and the survivors. I’m hopeful that there is a just outcome, but I didn’t expect this. But it’s here.”
On Friday, the 52-year-old Grammy winner turned himself in to a Chicago police station hours after authorities announced 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse involving four victims, including at least three between the ages of 13 and 17.
Kelly was acquitted on child pornography charges in 2008 and has consistently denied any sexual misconduct.
The singer’s history of alleged abuse again came to light earlier this year with the release of Surviving R. Kelly, Lifetime’s six-part docuseries that featured more than 50 testimonies from journalists, family, fellow musicians, and members of Kelly’s circle who came forward to share their experiences.
Hampton says she and her crew have been waiting many years for Kelly to take responsibility for his alleged actions. “We’ve been waiting for him to acknowledge the harm that he has caused. He’s never done that. He’s only ever denied, obfuscated and derailed. And placed blame with others,” she told GMA.
Kelly is expected to appear in court on Saturday.
See more of Hampton’s reactions to Kelly’s arrest in her tweets below.
I actually wasted time today staring at a picture of him entering the courthouse looking scared and sad and wondered what restorative justice might look like.
— dream hampton (@dreamhampton) February 23, 2019
R. Kelly & the pieces of shit who call themselves his team, made sure that Azriel Clary & Joy Savage were front & center at the courthouse. He plans to have them front row at the bond hearing. In THIS moment he wants you to know he’s “pimping” 2 girls 30 years younger than him.
— dream hampton (@dreamhampton) February 23, 2019
And no, I don’t feel celebratory. I have two projects that air over the next few weeks, so I’m mostly busy. But I feel numb. And worried abt Azriel and Joy. But hopeful they’ll be reunited with their parents.
— dream hampton (@dreamhampton) February 23, 2019
When I asked the survivors what they’d like to see happen to R. Kelly, every single one of them wished he’d “get help”. In order for him to get help, he’d have to admit harming. He may never do that. Mostly because he’s got millions of people who protect him. So, we’re here.
— dream hampton (@dreamhampton) February 23, 2019
— dream hampton (@dreamhampton) February 22, 2019
This was always about Lizzette, Drea, Lisa, Jerhonda, Kitti, Asante, Faith and all the women who talked to us off camera because they knew they’d be dragged, doxxed and disbelieved. Thank you #SurvivingRKellly
— dream hampton (@dreamhampton) February 22, 2019
I of course regret not understanding that his “marriage” to Aaliyah was from the outset, which was a predator flaunting his predation in public.
— dream hampton (@dreamhampton) February 22, 2019