The pioneer of New Jack Swing has formally modified his tune. On Friday, Teddy Riley took to social media to subject a proper retraction and apology after sparking a firestorm of criticism for suggesting he would collaborate with disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly.
The legendary producer, who has labored with the likes of Bobby Brown, discovered himself within the scorching seat following an in-depth interview with the Los Angeles Times revealed on February 18. In that interview, Riley appeared to defend Kelly, who’s at the moment serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering and intercourse trafficking. He additionally said that the incarcerated singer deserved one other likelihood from the general public.
The controversy started when Teddy Riley questioned why the general public was unwilling to simply accept Kelly’s supposed repentance.
“He’s asking for forgiveness. He has repented. What does that imply to everyone?” Riley advised the Times.
He went even additional by suggesting he was in search of traders to assist facilitate the discharge of music Kelly has allegedly recorded whereas behind bars. This adopted a January 2026 Instagram submit the place Riley shared a snippet of Kelly singing Chris Brown’s “It Depends” over a jail cellphone line, captioning it: “Still the King of R&B Bar None!!!! Can’t look ahead to yall to listen to the brand new music!!!”
Teddy Riley Gets Major Backlash
According to Complex, the backlash was swift and extreme. Fans and advocacy teams for survivors of sexual abuse instantly condemned Teddy Riley, accusing him of prioritizing musical nostalgia over the grave crimes Kelly was convicted of committing. The timing was notably delicate because the business continues to grapple with the long-term influence of the Surviving R. Kelly documentary. By Thursday evening, the strain reached a tipping level, main Riley to launch a prolonged assertion on Instagram to make clear his place and distance himself from who he considers the “King of R&B.”
“I wish to handle the Los Angeles Times interview straight,” Riley wrote in his apology. “As a producer, I’ve at all times been excited in regards to the prospects of music and artistic collaboration. That pleasure has outlined my profession. But I additionally perceive that phrases carry weight, and I by no means need my ardour for music to overshadow the very actual ache that many individuals have skilled.”
He continued, “If my feedback induced damage, I sincerely apologize. That was by no means my intention. I take critically the influence that abuse and misconduct have had on survivors and their households. Their experiences matter, and so they need to be acknowledged with care and respect.”
Riley’s switch-up marks a major retreat. In the unique interview, he had argued that music needs to be separated from the person, citing Rick James for instance of an artist who was forgiven after serving time.
“They wish to preserve R. Kelly in till 2045? I don’t assume he deserved getting the entire thing,” Riley had mentioned.
However, his new assertion explicitly confirmed that any potential undertaking with Kelly “won’t be coming to fruition.” He concluded by stating, “Loving music and recognizing its cultural influence doesn’t imply condoning dangerous habits.”
The scenario has created a sophisticated second for Riley, who’s at the moment in the midst of a profession resurgence. He just lately revealed his memoir, Remember the Times, and is acting on the “Guy 2.0” tour. Riley maintains that he stays dedicated to shifting ahead with “intention and accountability” as he focuses on his new e-book.
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