Celebrated as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time, R. Kelly’s genre defining career and playboy lifestyle has been riddled with rumors of abuse, predatory behavior and pedophilia. Despite damning evidence and multiple witnesses, none of these accusations have seemingly affected him. For the first time ever, in Lifetime’s ground-breaking documentary series Surviving R. Kelly, survivors and people from R. Kelly’s inner circle come forward with new allegations about his sexual, mental and physical abuse. With more than 50 interviews including civil rights activist Tarana Burke, musician John Legend and talk-show host Wendy Williams, those who knew R. Kelly shed light on the secret life the public has never seen. Among those featured in the documentary is R&B singer and Chicago native Sparkle who began her career as a protégé of R. Kelly and would later collaborate with stars such as Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean and Aaliyah. Sparkle’s debut album debuted at #3 on the Billboard chart and included the hit single “Be Careful,” a duet with R. Kelly that reached #1 on Billboard for six weeks. After creative differences led to their separation, Sparkle would later testify against R. Kelly in court, stating that her underage niece appeared in the infamous sex video.