Teddy Riley recently made a statement on Instagram apologizing for his previous comments defending R. Kelly. In his original interview with the Los Angeles Times, he mentioned his plans to work with investors to release 25 albums that the singer reportedly recorded while in prison. However, after receiving backlash for his remarks, Riley took to social media to clarify his stance and express his regret for any offense he may have caused.
As a renowned producer, Riley has always been enthusiastic about the possibilities of music and creative collaboration. It has been a defining factor in his career. However, he also understands the weight of words and never wants his passion for music to overshadow the real pain experienced by many people. He stated, "If my comments caused hurt, I sincerely apologize. That was never my intention. I take the impact of abuse and misconduct seriously and acknowledge the experiences of survivors and their families with care and respect."
Riley further explained that the idea of releasing Kelly's music with outside investors was just a passing thought and not something he plans to pursue. He clarified that loving music and recognizing its cultural impact does not mean condoning harmful behavior, and he wants to make that clear.
The controversy arose after Riley's interview promoting his memoir, Remember the Times, where he mentioned speaking with R. Kelly by phone and discussing the reports of his 25 recorded albums. Riley believed he could help release the music with outside investors. He defended his stance by stating, "Everybody deserves a second chance... Everyone deserves to repent and be forgiven by God." He also mentioned that people miss Kelly's music and he wants to bring R&B back.
R. Kelly, known for his hit song "I Believe I Can Fly," is currently serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking convictions. Riley's comments came after he shared a now-deleted Instagram post featuring Kelly's cover of Chris Brown's "It Depends," in which he referred to the singer as the "King of R&B."
In light of the controversy, it is clear that Riley's love for music should not overshadow the harm caused by Kelly's actions. As a society, we must acknowledge and respect the pain of survivors and hold those accountable for their actions. It is important to remember that music is not an excuse for harmful behavior and we must not condone it.
