Prosecutor says R. Kelly allegations 'sickening'

The Associated Press</span>
Published Tuesday, January 8, 2019 5:02PM EST
Last Updated Tuesday, January 8, 2019 7:15PM EST

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. -- The Latest on a documentary detailing abuse allegations against R. Kelly (all times local):

6:45 p.m.

A Chicago prosecutor has asked any possible victims or witnesses of alleged abuse by R. Kelly to contact her office.

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx spoke to reporters Tuesday after watching a recent Lifetime documentary examining a history of abuse allegations against the R&B star. Asked about her reaction to the series, called "Surviving R. Kelly," Foxx said she was "sickened."

But Foxx also said no active investigation is underway and launching one would require victims and witnesses. Kelly, a Chicago native who still owns a house in the Chicago area, has always denied any wrongdoing.

A Cook County jury acquitted Kelly of all 14 counts of child pornography in 2008. Prosecutors had argued a videotape showed him engaged in graphic sex acts with a girl as young as 13. Kelly and the alleged victim, in her 20s at the time of the trial, denied it was them.

This is a breaking news update. See earlier story below:

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. -- A Georgia man involved with a recent documentary detailing abuse allegations against R. Kelly told police the singer's manager threatened him.

Timothy Savage told an officer on Jan. 3 that Don Russell had texted him saying it would be best for him and his family if the documentary didn't air, according to a Stockbridge police report.

Savage said he and his wife were involved with Lifetime's "Surviving R. Kelly" series. The series, which aired earlier this month, looks at the singer's history and allegations that he has sexually abused women and girls. He has denied wrongdoing.

Russell called Savage while the officer was there and Savage put the phone on speaker so the officer could listen, the police report says. It went on to say that Russell accused Savage of lying to Lifetime and said that if Savage continued to support the series, Russell and Kelly would be forced to release information that would show Savage was a liar and that would ruin him, his reputation, his business and his family.

Contact information for Russell could not be immediately found.

The report says the case is being forwarded to the criminal investigations division for review.

Tonight, the parents speak. Don’t miss the final night of the series that everyone is talking about, #SurvivingRKelly concludes tonight at 9/8c on Lifetime. pic.twitter.com/Hj8UEQfXVH
— Lifetime (@lifetimetv) January 5, 2019