by Jeroslyn JoVonn
February 23, 2026
Teddy Riley is shifting his stance on defending R. Kelly, acknowledging that “phrases carry weight,” particularly in the case of survivors.
Teddy Riley is strolling again latest feedback defending R. Kelly after beforehand saying he deliberate to “usher in traders” to launch 25 albums the singer reportedly recorded whereas behind bars.
Only a week after his candid interview with the Los Angeles Occasions, the place he mentioned R. Kelly deserved a “second probability,” Riley took to Instagram with a prolonged assertion apologizing to anybody he might have offended and crediting his daring protection of the incarcerated singer to his love for music.
“As a producer, I’ve all the time been excited concerning the prospects of music and inventive collaboration,” Riley mentioned partly. “That pleasure has outlined my profession. However I additionally perceive that phrases carry weight, and I by no means need my ardour for music to overshadow the very actual ache that many individuals have skilled.”
Riley continued: “If my feedback triggered damage, I sincerely apologize. That was by no means my intention. I take critically the influence that abuse and misconduct have had on survivors and their households. Their experiences matter, and so they should be acknowledged with care and respect. The thought talked about within the interview, in correlation with a earlier put up I made, was merely that, a artistic thought mentioned in passing. It isn’t one thing that can transfer ahead. Loving music and recognizing its cultural influence doesn’t imply condoning dangerous habits, and I wish to be clear about that.”
The backlash started after Riley’s latest chat with the LA Occasions selling his memoir Bear in mind the Occasions. Through the dialog, Riley mentioned he had spoken with R. Kelly by telephone and mentioned experiences that the singer recorded 25 albums whereas incarcerated, music Riley claimed he hoped to assist launch with exterior traders.
“All people deserves a second probability,” Riley mentioned. “Everybody deserves to repent, and everybody will get forgiven by God whenever you come to him. Folks miss his music. I’m the messenger to carry R&B again.”
“It’s music — it’s not an act of what he’s completed earlier than… He’s asking for forgiveness,” he added, noting his perception that Kelly “has repented” for his crimes.
The “I Consider I Can Fly” singer, R. Kelly, stays behind bars serving a 30-year sentence on racketeering and intercourse trafficking convictions. Riley’s feedback got here after a since-deleted Instagram put up through which he shared audio of Kelly protecting “It Relies upon” by Chris Brown whereas referring to him because the “King of R&B.”
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