Promoters Officially Cancel Controversial R Kelly Australian Tour Plans

16 January 2019 | 11:05 am | Staff Writer

'The promoters have decided not to move forward.'

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The initial news of an R Kelly Australian tour last year was met with a wave of criticism and questions, however promoters have confirmed all plans are officially cancelled. 

Following December's tour announce, one venue named on the run claimed it had never booked the show. Shortly after, the controversial R&B artist himself slammed the announce as "fake".

Despite this, promoters Big Music Tour have issued a statement today to Fairfax, claiming the recently-screened Surviving R Kelly documentary series prompted them to call off the tour. 

"Big Music Tour can confirm contracts were in place with R Kelly and his management for the Australian tour. We have been in discussion regarding the bizarre social media post denying the tour and had been working towards a resolution," promoters said.

"However, given the current situation in R Kelly's personal life and the controversy surrounding him, the promoters have decided not to move forward and are focusing on other events."

The six-part Lifetime series addressed alleged sexual misconduct and claims against the R&B singer and featured "interviews with several of Kelly’s accusers, people formerly in his inner circle, journalists, and even his own family members".

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Since the airing of the documentary, the Fulton County District Attorney's Office in Atlanta has opened an investigation and called on victims related to the allegations to come forward.

Meanwhile, artists including Lady Gaga, Chance The Rapper and Phoenix have publicly apologised for collaborating with Kelly on past works.