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  • Soulless

  • The Case Against R. Kelly
  • Written by: Jim DeRogatis
  • Narrated by: Jim DeRogatis
  • Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (7 ratings)

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Soulless

Written by: Jim DeRogatis
Narrated by: Jim DeRogatis
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Publisher's Summary

The essential account of R. Kelly’s actions and their consequences, a reckoning two decades in the making

In November 2000, Chicago journalist and music critic Jim DeRogatis received an anonymous fax that alleged R. Kelly had a problem with “young girls”. Weeks later, DeRogatis broke the shocking story, publishing allegations that the R&B superstar and local hero had groomed girls, sexually abused them, and paid them off. DeRogatis thought his work would have an impact. Instead, Kelly’s career flourished. 

No one seemed to care: not the music industry, not the culture at large, not the parents of numerous other young girls. But for more than 18 years, DeRogatis stayed on the story. He was the one who was given the disturbing videotape that led to Kelly’s 2008 child pornography trial, the one whose window was shot out, and the one whom women trusted to tell their stories - of a meeting with the superstar at a classroom, a mall, a concert, or a McDonald’s that forever warped the course of their lives. 

Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly is DeRogatis’ masterpiece, a work of tenacious journalism and powerful cultural criticism. It tells the story of Kelly’s career, DeRogatis’ investigations, and the world in which the two crossed paths, and brings the story up to the moment when things finally seem to have changed. Decades in the making, this is an outrageous, darkly riveting account of the life and actions of R. Kelly, and their horrible impact on dozens of girls, by the only person to tell it.

©2019 Jim DeRogatis (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

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Details and information beyond the documentary

I am among most who watched and was horrified by the documentary "Surviving R Kelly" and was dubious if this book would offer more, but it fills in the gaps, provides a lot more information and details, and explains how R Kelly was able to get away with being an out of control sexual predator for so long. It places blame on a judicial system that can be bought, and as the author states, R Kelly just finally ran out of money to buy his way out of all the accusations and charges. In many cases, the victims were not given a choice to pursue the matter legally, and were presented with civil suits as their only recourse. The book clearly explains how further girls were put at risk because they and their family erroneously believed that being acquitted meant being not guilty. The detail and dogged investigation leaves the reader with no doubt as to what Kelly did and how he was able to get away with it for so long. It's also a book of warning signs to look out for when encountering a slick, experienced predator.

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