R Kelly reportedly dropped by Sony following abuse allegations

It's been reported Sony Music has dropped embattled R&B singer R Kelly from its roster.

The announcement comes two weeks after the popular documentary series Surviving R Kelly drew fresh attention to the sex abuse allegations against R. Kelly, which have dogged him for most of his career. The #MeToo and #MuteRKelly movements have seen protests held, demanding his music be dropped from streaming services and beyond.

TMZ has confirmed: "R Kelly's not in business with Sony Music for the first time in decades after the singer and the record company agreed to part ways".

Sony faced pressure to drop the singer following the release of Surviving R Kelly, as protests were held outside its offices in Los Angeles and New York City last week.

A banner, organised by women’s group Ultraviolet, flew over Sony's California headquarters on January 12, which read: “RCA/Sony: Drop Sexual Predator R Kelly.”

Representatives for Sony and RCA Records didn't immediately return emails seeking comment. A label source reportedly told Variety magazine that "no external announcement of the move is planned in the immediate future".

Lady Gaga and Celine Dion recently removed their duets with R Kelly from streaming services and French rock band Phoenix apologised for collaborating with the singer in 2013.

R Kelly has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct involving women and underage girls.

His first album on Sony, 1992's Born into the 90's, was with the group Public Announcement. His successful solo debut, 12 Play, was released a year later.

_________________

Read more:

Celine Dion is the latest star to pull the plug on duet with R Kelly

Men like Louis CK are not victims – the people they have preyed on are

'Absolutely horrifying': Lady Gaga says she'll never work with R Kelly again and vows to pull duet from iTunes

Why it’s time for the pop world to face the #MeToo music

_________________