“I didn’t think I would be emotional, but I am. It’s just been a long time for me, dealing with this. On the one hand, I think I’m a little sad because Robert was my ex-mentor and what he did was just a punch to my chest. And I’m also relieved. Thank God they got it right this time. At the first trial, nobody believed me. I hope all the girls, boys and women affected by him are also breathing a sigh of relief… In speaking out for my niece, I spoke out for a bunch of girls that I didn’t know… I took all of the backlash. I didn’t wait a day, a month, or 10 years. I just wanted it to be known what this monster was doing. And I would do it all over again,” Sparkle told The Cut.10
R. Kelly will remain in jail until his sentencing hearing on May 4, 2022. He has been in custody since July 2019 and was deemed a flight risk. The 54-year-old singer could face life in prison and he still has to face state charges in Minnesota and Illinois for similar sex-related charges, which he also pleaded not guilty to.
