R.Kelly denies allegations he was running a "cult"

R.Kelly has denied the claims that he's been forcing women to stay in an "abusive cult" of his making.

On July 17, Buzzfeed ran a scandalous story alleging that the artist had been manipulating and controlling the lives of six women, tearing up families in the process. According to parents, Kelly used his position of power to promise the women fame and fortune, until he 'brainwashed' them.

He ended up "dictating what they eat, how they dress, when they bathe, when they sleep, and how they engage in sexual encounters that he records" according to the sources in the piece.

Speaking to Pitchfork, R.Kelly's lawyer Linda Mensch said that the singer "is both alarmed and disturbed by the recent revelations attributed to him, Mr. Kelly unequivocally denies such accusations and will work diligently and forcibly to pursue his accusers and clear his name".

Buzzfeed's Matt Mittenthal told Pitchfork that they still stand behind the story fully, which was based on "nine months of interviews and old-fashioned investigative reporting"

As of yet, no charges have been filed against R.Kelly.