A Facebook page that attempted to “expose” R Kelly’s accusers has been removed by Facebook for violating terms of service.
Following the release of the six-part series Surviving R Kelly, TMZ reported that “[Kelly] and his camp” were controlling two sites – a Facebook page named "Surviving Lies" and an in-progress website with the same name – aiming to discredit his accusers and clear his name. It has not been confirmed whether Kelly is behind the sites.
The Facebook page was launched with a previously surfaced, unverified recording that allegedly contradicts the testimony of one of the women who appeared in the documentary, which addresses multiple accusations of abuse, predatory behaviour, and paedophilia. Kelly has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse made against him.
Buzzfeed News reporter Ryan Mac posted a screengrab of the Facebook page showing it was created on 6 January 2019. The page image was a cartoon Pinocchio.
The page also posted screenshots and images of alleged text messages between Kelly and some of his accusers. It drew more than 5,000 followers after it was launched, Fast Company reports.
Both Mac and TMZ reported that a Facebook spokesperson commented on the pulled page with the following response: “The page violated our Community Standards and has been removed. We do not tolerate bullying or sharing someone’s private contact information and take action on content that violates our policies as soon as we’re aware.”
Since the documentary aired, a number of high profile celebrities have denounced Kelly for his alleged behaviour over the past two decades, including John Legend, Chance the Rapper and Chrissy Teigen.
