Singer R. Kelly was recently removed himself from “Fashion Meet Music Festival” in Columbus, Ohio after people protest the fact that he was included. Radio station WBCE withdrew their sponsorship from the festival because of Kelly presents at the festival. Local artist from Ohio voice their displeasure of Kelly being included at the festival. One group who opposed said it was due to “his very serious allegation of sexual violence and assault.” Festival organizers spoke about how criticism force Kelly to leave the lineup:
There was a lot of back and forth on the criticism we did receive, but then also looking at [Kelly] as an artist,” a rep for the fest told Columbus Alive. “Then truly the last few weeks…the festival has taken a lot of heat, and we really just wanted to listen to Columbus and really take a stance and move forward.
R. Kelly released this statement “R. Kelly is sorry to disappoint his fans, but looks forward to seeing them in the near future during one of his upcoming tours.”