R. Kelly’s Aussie promoter responds to “fake tour” claim

Controversial R&B crooner R. Kelly’s Australian promoter Big Music Tour have responded to his online post, following their announcement on Friday that he is touring Australasia for the first time in February.

Kelly claimed that the tour announcement was “fake”.

Big Music Tour issued a statement:

“We are very concerned with R. Kelly’s post today on his social media.

“Our company has been dealing with his manager and are aware, that after our announcement yesterday, offers from other Australian promoters, offering higher fees than we have in our executed artist agreement, started to be presented to Mr. Kelly through other sources.

“We did not anticipate it would cause any issues, but unfortunately it has. 

“It baffles us why it took over 24 hours to post his response and we are still in constant communication with his manager to rectify this amicably.”

The singer claimed on his official Twitter account that the announcement was “fake”.

“While I love all my amazing Fans in the Australia region I am NOT involved in this tour nor do I have knowledge of it, it’s promoters, etc,” he wrote.

“I will NOT be in Australia during these dates.”

The dates in question are:

February 8:  Brisbane, RNA Showgrounds Marquee

February 9:  Melbourne, Showgrounds

February 14: Sydney, Rose Hill Gardens

Kelly, who has been targeted in the US by the #metoo movement over sexual assault allegations, received a similar angry backlash in Australia and New Zealand after the tour announcement.

In New Zealand, the urban Flava radio station, which was a sponsor of the show, immediately pulled out.