*Despite the backlash in America following the abuse allegations levelled against R. Kelly, the singer’s popularity is apparently soaring overseas.
According to TMZ, Kellz is in huge demand in Germany, where he is slated to perform this spring in Deutschland. The outlet reported that his scheduled show in Ludwigsburg on April 12 got bumped to a bigger venue and was then relocated again recently to Ratiopharm Arena in Neu-Ulm — a venue that holds 9,000 people.
As we previously reported, R Kelly has decided to take his act overseas as the sexual assault allegations pile up against him, sparking “serious concerns” from various government officials after confirming plans to tour Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: Chaka Khan is Back with New Album (Hello Happiness) and Single: ‘Like Sugar’ (WATCH)
The tour, which was announced on social media, comes in the wake of the controversial “Surviving R Kelly” documentary which details allegations that the R&B hitmaker has sexually and physically abused women over several decades. Kelly continues to deny any and all abuses and has so far faced no criminal convictions.
The FBI and other authorities are said to be currently investigating claims that he ran a cult where women were abused. The singer’s label, Sony, dropped him as the outrage against the award-winning artist grows louder.
In a statement, Australia’s shadow minister for immigration and border protection, Shayne Neumann, noted that the opposition Labor party would be “seriously concerned” if Kelly was allowed to perform in the country.
“Labor strongly supports the refusal or cancellation of visas of non-citizens on character or criminal grounds … Labor would be seriously concerned if immigration minister David Coleman would allow an individual such as R Kelly into Australia,” said Neumann.
“If the immigration minister suspects that a non-citizen does not pass the character test, or there is a risk to the community while they are in Australia, he should use the powers he has under the Migration Act to deny or cancel their visa.”
Meanwhile, reps for Ratiopharm arena reportedly debated over whether to host R. Kelly and ultimately decided to let the court of law determine his fate.
“[The] allegations [haven’t been] the subject of…criminal or even civil process,” the arena said in a statement. “Anyone who personally considers that the presumption of innocence…is obsolete, and who feels called upon to take the place of the rule of law as an instance of social ostracism is hereby called upon to be prudent and reserved. In any case, we do not want to assume that competence.”
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
