'I don't give a fuck about protecting a child rapist': John Legend says about R. Kelly

John Legend, who appears in Lifetime’s devastating Surviving R. Kelly docuseries, took to Twitter to reiterate his support for survivors of abuse and to blast R. Kelly.

The first two episodes on Thursday night, with John Legend being the only major celebrity to take part in the show. Legend took to Twitter to explain why he chose to speak out: “To everyone telling me how courageous I am for appearing in the doc, it didn’t feel risky at all,” he tweeted. “I believe these women and don’t give a fuck about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision.”

Legend also praised the work of series director and producer Dream Hampton, writing on Twitter: “We should all thank my friend @dreamhampton for her very necessary work to create #SurvivingRKelly. These survivors deserved to be lifted up and heard. I hope it gets them closer to some kind of justice.”

In April, Legend was vocal in his support of the #MuteRKelly movement, which was further spurred on by Women of Color of Time’s Up in an open letter that called on the music industry to cut ties with Kelly. At the time, he tweeted: “I stand with the women of #timesup #muterkelly."

Over 20 years, Kelly has faced numerous accusations of sexual misconduct, making indecent images of children and other offences. Last year, the singer was accused holding a number of young women in a so-called cult - which he denied.

Despite having faced previous accusations of sexual misconduct, Kelly was never found guilty.

The Surviving R. Kelly series features testimonies from women who allege to have been the victim of mental, physical, and sexual abuse by Kelly. The six-part docuseries will feature 50 interviews, including words from civil rights activist Tarana Burke, singer Sparkle, ex-wife Andrea Kelly, ex-girlfriend Kitti Jones, and brothers Carey and Bruce Kelly.

The remaining episodes air Friday and Saturday on Lifetime in the United States.