R. Kelly has reportedly been hospitalized for panic attacks, according to Consequence of Sound. This news comes in the wake of Lifetime’s documentary series Surviving R. Kelly, which aired last week.
According to TMZ:
“We’re told the episodes are triggered by the overwhelming backlash Kelly’s getting from celebs and the general public. He’s shocked how the tables have turned … with most people now believing his accusers.
We’re told Kelly’s aware the pendulum isn’t swinging his way right now in the court of public opinion.
As for his birthday celebration Wednesday night … we’re told Kelly’s looking for reasons to get out of his house. Quite frankly, we’re told he still believes he’s done nothing wrong and doesn’t want to seem like he’s hiding.”
Kelly is the center of an ongoing controversy, alleging that he physically and mentally abused a number of women. These allegations are covered extensively in Surviving R. Kelly. Kelly has threatened to sue Lifetime, sighting defamation and false claims.
Following the release of Surviving R. Kelly, an investigation has been launched against the singer in Georgia, and another may follow in Illinois, as well as in New York. He is also the subject of a civil suit filed by Faith Rodgers, one of his accusers.
On top of this, RCA Records/Sony Music, Kelly’s record label, have given into pressure and stopped releasing the singer’s music. Kelly is putting on a brave face for the public, though, celebrating his birthday in Chicago last week, at one point even seeming to poke fun at the situation. “Y’all motherfuckers don’t know it’s my motherfuckin’ birthday and I don’t give a fuck what’s going on tonight,” he said to the crowd.
Many celebrities have spoken out against the singer, especially in light of Surviving R. Kelly. The latest is a lengthy apology from Lady Gaga for her 2013 collaboration with the singer, entitled “Do What U Want (With my Body).”