R. Kelly Under Criminal Investigation: Report

ATLANTA, GA -- R. Kelly is under criminal investigation in Atlanta, according to media reports, because of a series that recently aired on Lifetime called "Surviving R. Kelly." While the Fulton County District Attorney's office is not commenting, TMZ is reporting that investigators have been talking to several people who appeared in the series.

The program accused the entertainer, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, of having sex with underage girls, being physically abusive, and running a sex cult.

Meanwhile, a Henry County police report was filed on Jan. 3, 2019, against Kelly's manager, Don Russell, by Timothy Savage who, along with his wife, participated in the series. Savage told police he received a phone call from Russell, "telling him it would be best for him and his family if the series does not air," the report said.

The report also said Russell called Savage while the officer was present. Savage placed the call on speakerphone so the officer could hear the conversation. According to the report, "Don says several times that Timothy is providing Lifetime false information, and if he continues supporting the documentary, that they (R. Kelly/Don) would be forced to provide information disproving Timothy. Don advised Timothy that the information would ruin him, his reputation, business and family, because it would show him to be a liar."

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R. Kelly performs during The Buffet Tour at Allstate Arena on May 7, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images)