-New Urban TALK- In the Midst of R. Kelly "Sex Cult" Scandal, Ex-Wife Andrea Kelly Comes Forward to Share Testimony of Domestic Abuse, Survival, and Relying on God for Strength

Stepping Out: Dance choreographer Andrea Kelly finds her voice in facing a past in an abusive marriage. 

She's a dance choreographer to the stars and a former director of a modern dance studio, but most have come to know her as the ex-wife to one of the most celebrated r&b stars and decorated songwriters in contemporary pop music, R. (Robert) Kelly. This past week, actress/choreographer Andrea Kelly finds herself back in the public eye after an extended absence, as allegations continue to swirl around her ex-husband with newly revived stories of involvement with teen girls, and allegations of holding women against their will in his Chicago compound.

In an interview with V-103 radio in Atlanta, the 44-year-old mother of three isn't able to share much about the current media coverage regarding her husband as they do not maintain contact and have not for years. She is, however, able to speak to her personal experience in being in an abusive 13 year marriage with the singer, how she found the strength to leave, and the work she feels God has done in her life and through her life to encourage other women as they journey back to a place of safety, healthy self-esteem, and functional independence. 

Early this past May, some of the most powerful women of color in Hollywood (affiliated with the #TimesUpNow Initiative) called for a boycott of R. Kelly's music after years of hearing of alleged predatory exploits against young women, some as young as 14.  In recent years the singer has only been known to be seen with young ladies aged 18 or older, but many parents of these young women have come forward in expressing concern for their daughters well being, claiming that their children are being held, hostage; claims corroborated by other young women who have also lived in Kelly's compound, but later escaped.  Families of those affected have shared their stories as well in talk show

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In addition to other commentary dismissing the #TimesUp call to boycott his work, the singer has denied all allegations.