Over the course of his career, R. Kelly has been sued for having sexual relations with underage girls, was illegally married to 15-year-old singer Aaliyah, and was indicted on multiple counts of child pornography. Now, the 49-year-old artist is dating a 19-year-old, and the collective voice of the internet went “Ew, not again.”
R. Kelly was reportedly spotted with his new girlfriend in Atlanta this weekend, and yes, she’s above the age of consent, but it doesn’t do anything to help his reputation as a sexual predator. Either way, Twitter is having a fun time dragging him.
When R. Kelly's albums are older than his girlfriend.
— Steve⚓️ (@St3v3nz) August 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/PthaGoat8/status/762652146999320576
So are we really surprised that R. Kelly is R. Kellying? #RKelly pic.twitter.com/TxhrRLYJHL
— SoulBounce (@SoulBounce) August 8, 2016
R. Kelly is trending for exactly the reason you would expect
— Christina Warren (@film_girl) August 8, 2016
R. Kelly wrote "Age Aint nothing but a Number" for Aaliyah when she was 15. That should tell you everything you need to know
— Al Gore Rhythm (@Notufatjesus_) August 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/Hublife/status/762665058409164800
A few people are bringing into question what an “appropriate” age gap would be, and that Kelly has never been convicted of statutory rape or child pornography. But the American justice system is flawed, and stripped of any legal power, Twitter roasting is all we have.