Entertainment

R. Kelly's team disavows statement released

04 of May 2018

FILE - In this June 30, 2013, file photo, R. Kelly performs onstage at the BET Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. R. Kelly says the media are attempting to distort and destroy his legacy by reporting allegations that he sexually mistreats women. The R&B artist says in a statement Friday, May 4, 2018 that he's "heartbroken" by the accusations.(Photo by Frank Micelotta/Invision/AP, File),FILE - In this June 30, 2013, file photo, R. Kelly performs onstage at the BET Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. R. Kelly says the media are attempting to distort and destroy his legacy by reporting allegations that he sexually mistreats women. The R&B artist says in a statement Friday, May 4, 2018 that he's "heartbroken" by the accusations.(Photo by Frank Micelotta/Invision/AP, File)

R. Kelly's team says an earlier statement released on his behalf, where he says he's heartbroken by allegations that he sexually mistreats women, was unauthorized. However, his management could not say whether the person who sent the email has a relationship with the beleaguered singer.

NEW YORK (AP) — R. Kelly’s management says a statement sent out on his behalf wasn’t authorized by his team.

An early Friday-morning email sent by Katie Thompson on behalf of R. Kelly Tours claimed the media was trying to distort and destroy his legacy by reporting allegations that he sexually mistreats women and said the singer was “heartbroken” over it.

However, management disavowed that statement to The Associated Press on Friday. Thompson’s relationship to the singer is unclear, and management acknowledged she may work for the singer.

There have been numerous reports detailing allegations that Kelly sexually abused women over the years. He was acquitted of child pornography charges in 2008.

Earlier this week, the organization Time’s Up joined the social media movement known as #MuteRKelly demanding an investigation into his behavior. It also called on the recording industry to consider severing ties to him.