A spokeswoman for Illinois Department of Agriculture explains that organizers behind the Spring Break Jam were given a thumb down due to protests following 'Surviving R. Kelly' broadcast.
- Jan 14, 2019
AceShowbiz - Illinois officials have rejected a permit application for a concert hosted by embattled singer R. Kelly over security concerns.
The "Ignition (Remix)" star had been tapped to host the "Spring Break Jam" in April, but organisers behind the Springfield show were denied permission for the gig on Thursday, January 10.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Illinois Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Denise Albert explained the decision was made following protests outside of Kelly's Chicago studio earlier in the week, after the broadcast of damning documentary "Surviving R. Kelly".
The Lifetime series chronicled longrunning allegations of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse allegedly suffered by young women and girls the musician is said to have held hostage at properties in Chicago and near Atlanta, Georgia - accusations he has vehemently denied.
Protests continued over the weekend, January 12, with activists calling for a boycott of the singer's music, while Kelly's loyal fans showed their support for the troubled star by blasting his tunes from car stereos as they drove by.
The clash occurred hours after police paid a visit to Kelly's apartment at Chicago's Trump Tower on Friday, when an anonymous caller claimed he was holding two women against their will.
Officers interviewed the 52-year-old and the two females separately, but determined they were at the property voluntarily, and left without taking any further action.
TMZ reports the women in question were Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary, whose family members have accused Kelly of brainwashing the pair to become part of his alleged sex cult.
Meanwhile, Kelly was recently ordered to allow city authorities to inspect his rented Chicago workspace, amid allegations suggesting he's violated the building's zoning regulations by turning it into a studio and residence. The inspection is due to take place on Wednesday, January 16.
