Los Angeles, CA – Following the debut of the record-breaking premiere of Lifetime’s Surviving R. Kelly this past January, the network will debut a two-hour follow-up special, Surviving R Kelly: The Impact, detailing the conversations and reactions ignited by the powerful documentary series. Hosted by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, Surviving R Kelly: The Impact is set to premiere Saturday, May 4th at 10pm ET/PT and highlights the impact the documentary has had on our culture globally, how it has elevated the conversation on sexual violence and what it means to be a survivor.
In the days following the debut of Surviving R. Kelly on Lifetime, vital conversations erupted throughout the country. Calls to sexual assault hotlines increased by 35%, and #MuteRKelly activists were galvanized to protest for R. Kelly’s record label to drop him. Public outcry ensured the survivors would not be ignored and more women came forward with allegations of abuse. Seven weeks after the debut of the docuseries, the Cook County attorney’s office indicted the R&B singer on 10 felony counts of aggravated sexual assault involving four victims and spanning over a decade, ultimately leading to Kelly’s arrest. The special features footage from the docuseries, interviews with journalists, legal experts, non-profit organizations and psychologists to discuss the ongoing story surrounding R. Kelly, including an in-depth look at his now infamous interview with Gayle King and the women who are still standing by his side.
Over 26 million people have now seen the documentary, which has been named the recipient of the 2019 LA Press Club President’s Award for Impact on Media. Additionally, showrunner dream hampton was named as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.
Surviving R. Kelly: The Impact is produced by Peacock Productions for Lifetime and executive produced by Elizabeth Waller.
Surviving R. Kelly is executive produced by cultural critic, filmmaker and passionate activist dream hampton, Tamra Simmons, Joel Karsberg and Jesse Daniels for Kreativ Inc. which has a production deal with Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP), and Brie Miranda Bryant from Lifetime. Surviving R. Kelly falls under Lifetime’s commitment to provide a platform to give women a voice where they have previously been unheard to bring awareness to the abuses and harassment of women.
