The recent Lifetime documentary series by dream hampton, "Surviving R. Kelly", brings the R&B legend back to the limelight, now through the testimonies of women of color who survived his abuses and sexual predatory behavior for decades. Maria and Julio are joined by Jamilah Lemieux, writer and media professional who was featured in the docuseries and April Reign, diversity and inclusion advocate, media commentator and the creator of #OscarsSoWhite. They talk about the role of race in R. Kelly’s alleged abuses and how it has been magnified by the Me Too movement.

For anyone in need, you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline 24/7 at 800.656.HOPE (4673) who will provide confidential and local support.

ITT Staff Picks:

• Don’t have Lifetime or missed the series? Here’s April’s Twitter thread analysis of the docuseries. And here's another Twitter thread on the racial divide response to "Surviving R Kelly," the docuseries.

• A comprehensive timeline of the allegations against R. Kelly, via NPR.

• The series producer, dream hampton, interviewed about the creation of her documentary “Surviving R. Kelly," from Pitchfork.