Phoned-in threats cleared the house at a screening of the "Surviving R. Kelly" documentary Tuesday night in New York City, leaving the singer's ex-wife Drea Kelly more fired up than deterred.
"[S]everal anonymous threats were called in," Lifetime said in a statement to The Times. "As a precaution, the network elected to evacuate the building."
The incident was investigated and concern about a gunman in the house was determined to be unfounded, a New York Police Department spokeswoman told The Times.
The R&B singer has been accused of abusive and controlling behavior toward women, especially younger ones, allegations R. Kelly has denied. Those allegations are detailed in the three-part documentary series.
Tuesday's screening was attended by alleged victims Jerhonda Pace, Kitti Jones, Assante McGee, Lisa Van Allen and Lizzette Martinez, in addition to Drea Kelly. Also there were #MeToo activist Tarana Burke, radio host Angela Yee and former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson. Burke and Yee were to have been part of a panel with Lifetime executive producer Brie Miranda Bryant.
"They thought they were putting us out; they just put gasoline on a fire and now we're just gonna burn longer and stronger. You actually helped us when it was meant to harm us [because] this did nothing but unite us even more," Drea Kelly told Rolling Stone.
The incident "lets me know we're on the right track. We're causing people to listen. We're getting people's attention and we're getting attention from the one who thought that he was invincible and untouchable," she said.
"Surviving R. Kelly" airs Jan. 3-5 on Lifetime.
