Should R. Kelly Be Allowed To Perform At Soulquarius Festival? Fans Create Petition To Kick Him Off Lineup

The 2017 Soulquarius Festival will feature a long list of musical stars such as Erykah Badu, DMX, Too Short and Ja Rule, but there is one performer that has fans upset.

Singer R. Kelly is also scheduled to perform at the festival but not if the supporters of a Change.org petition have their way. Although R. Kelly is a headliner, many do not want him to perform.

“Despite an endless flood of abuse allegations and widespread knowledge of his notorious ‘romance’ with the late singer Aaliyah, who was age 15 to his 27 years, Kelly has maintained a relatively successful career,” the petition reads. “It’s this sort of nonchalance and casual embrace of abusers that rests at the fulcrum of rape culture, violence against women and in this case, misogynoir.”

As the petition states, a 27-year-old R. Kelly, now 49, did marry a 15-year-old Aaliyah. Kelly was 24 years old when he met the late singer who was only 12 at the time. Kelly went on to produce her debut album, “Age Ain’t Nothin But A Number,” which propelled Aaliyah into stardom.

Kelly married Aaliyah using a falsified marriage certificate that claimed the 15-year-old was 18. The marriage was later annulled. The singer’s lawyers went on to sign an agreement that prevented the singers from ever speaking about the union.

The petition hopes to reach 1,000 signatures and already has 772. “Stop booking this man. Stop supporting this man. There’s great power in having a voice,” the petition continues. “Let’s send a message that the music is not ‘separate’ and the abuse of girls and women is *never* okay, no matter who you are or how many timeless ballads you’ve contributed to the world.”

It’s not the first time the singer’s name has been at the center of controversy due to a music festival. In 2015, music fans in Houston, Texas, met with Omar Afra of the Free Press Summer Fest music festival to voice their opposition of Kelly performing. “I just can’t believe he’s gigging anywhere after what he’s done. I don’t understand how any person in their right mind could put up the fee to pay him to perform, or go see him,” said music fan David Hayes.

While the singer has his opponents, he still has a dedicated fan base. During a June interview with the Cleveland Scene, Kelly credited his fans with getting him through his hardships. “My fans are there to support that through the years and through the controversy,” he said. “I’m really proud of that. That’s what makes me go hard and do the show like the one I’m getting ready to do. It’s the strength and love of the fans that keeps me going.”

The Soulquarious festival is scheduled to take place on Feb. 18, 2017 at the Observatory Grounds in Santa Ana, California.