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‘Surviving R Kelly Part II: The Reckoning’: Release date, plot, cast, trailer and everything else about the Lifetime docuseries' sequel

The series will confront all that has happened in the aftermath of the first documentary. This will include the gun threat at the premiere of the first series in December 2018. It will also include commentary from new accusers, journalist Jim DeRogatis and more

In the wake of the global #MeToo movement, the beginning of 2019 saw a visceral documentary series about R&B singer R. Kelly and a lifetime of sexual misconduct he has been alleged with. In the aftermath of the Lifetime documentary series titled ‘Surviving R. Kelly’, the singer was formally charged with ten counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

But the horrific story, it would appear, is not over yet. Exactly a year from its initial release, the series will see a two-part sequel titled ‘Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning’. This docuseries, per Rolling Stone, will look back at the immediate cultural impact in the aftermath of the original series.

Release Date:

According to Variety, ‘Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning’ airs across three nights, beginning January 2, 2020, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Plot:

As per Vulture, ‘Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning’ will confront all that has happened in the aftermath of the first documentary. This will include the gun threat at the premiere of the first part in December 2018.

Attendees at the premiere at NeueHouse Madison Square in New York -- including #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, cultural critic Jamilah Lemieux, Kitti Jones, Jerhonda Pace, Lisa Van Allen, Asante McGee and Lizzette Martinez (accusers of Kelly) -- were evacuated after a gun threat was called in at the venue.

The docuseries is also reportedly going to address R. Kelly’s outburst in an interview with Gayle King where the singer said, “Quit playing! I didn’t do this stuff! This is not me! I’m fighting for my f*cking life!” Additionally, as per Vulture, the docuseries will also be telling the story of Dominique Gardner, one of R. Kelly’s “ex-girlfriends”, and her life outside of the singer’s world.

Cast:

According to Variety, ‘Part II’ will also include commentary from new accusers, journalist Jim DeRogatis (who broke the story of the sex tape that brought about the child-pornography charges against Kelly in 2000), industry execs Damon Dash and Mathew Knowles, Tarana Burke, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, radio personality Angela Yee, and State’s Attorney for Cook County Kimberly M. Foxx, among others.

Creators:

‘Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning’ is produced by Kreativ Inc. Executive produces include Joel Karsberg and Jesse Daniels of Kreativ Inc., Tamra Simmons, Maria Pepin and Brie Miranda Bryant.

Trailer:

The trailer for ‘Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning’ looks every bit as explosive as the first one. The trailers shows in bits and pieces, the aftermath of part one, including the #MuteRKelly movement, news about R. Kelly’s former manager James Mason threatening the father of one of Kelly’s girlfriends -- “I’m gonna do harm to you and your family, when I see you I’m gonna get you, I’m going to fucking kill you” -- and stories of coverups.

One of the most shocking parts of the trailer shows one woman claiming she had a suicide pact with Kelly. “I was a part of the suicide pact,” she claimed, adding, “If he was to go to jail, I was supposed to kill myself.” 

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‘Surviving R. Kelly’, ‘The Harvey Weinstein Scandal’ and ‘Rose McGowan: Being Brave’.