Names and faces
■ R. Kelly — once one of the biggest and most influential stars in pop music
— was dropped by his record company,
RCA, on Friday in the music industry’s highest-profile casualty of the #MeToo era. RCA’s agreement to part ways with
Robert Kelly, confirmed by a person briefed on the move who declined to be identified because the deal was confidential, came after weeks of protests. A recent television documentary, Surviving
R. Kelly, drew wide attention for its visceral testimonials by women who said that as underage girls they had been lured into sexual relationships with Kelly, and abused by him mentally and physically. Activists who had been calling for Kelly’s dismissal cheered the decision, while still criticizing RCA for its slow pace, and they pushed the entertainment industry to punish Kelly further. Accusations of misconduct by Kelly, 52, date to the mid-1990s, when it was revealed that, at 27, he secretly married his 15-year-old protege, Aaliyah; their marriage certificate falsely listed her age as 18. Reports of misconduct followed, including accounts from women who said Kelly had sex with them when they were as young as 15. Kelly has denied abusing or mistreating any women. Don Russell, who identified himself as the “top adviser” to Kelly, said Friday that other labels were interested in signing Kelly, though he declined to identify them. Terms of Kelly’s exit deal — including what, if anything, RCA paid him to terminate the contract — were not disclosed.
■ Wendy Williams is taking an extended break from her TV talk show to deal with health issues related to her immune system disorder, her family said Friday. The family wrote in a statement that Williams had suffered complications from Graves’ disease in the past few days. Treatment is necessary and will include “significant time” in the hospital, according to the family statement provided by show producer and distributor Debmar-Mercury. Williams has a strong desire to return to work but must focus on her “personal and physical well-being,” the family said, adding a request that her privacy be respected. Williams, 54, revealed the Graves’ disease diagnosis on her show last February, when she announced a three-week hiatus. Graves’ disease leads to the overproduction of thyroid hormones and can cause wide-ranging symptoms and affect overall health. Debmar-Mercury said that it “wholeheartedly” supports Williams’ decision to take the time she needs. She will be welcomed back when she is ready, the company said. Repeats of The Wendy Williams Show will air this week, to be followed by original episodes with guest hosts.