Was Aaliyah Sold to R. Kelly?

Aaliyah Haughten will forever be known as the princess of r&b. Her music and legacy has lived well past her 22 years of life. The mystery of her life and tragic death is still one being discussed and examined, maybe even more so today.

Recently, lifetime Network released the final chapters of surviving r Kelly, a docu-series following the former superstars path that led him to currently serving time in federal prison.

Although #Aaliyah and Kelly's former inappropriate relationship is no secret to the public today, the lifetime docu-series revealed some new information about the artist former relationship.

Kelly and Aaliyah were married in secret in August, 1994, when Aaliyah was just 15 years old. And Kelly 27. After finding out that an underaged Aaliyah wed Kelly, her parents reportedly annulled the marriage

several months later, in February of 1995. According to the documentary, Aaliyah's family signed a contract with Kelly that promised they would not press charges against him for the illegal marriage as long as Kelly promised to sell them the rights to his first three albums.

As the years pass and more details come to light, it seems like Aaliyah's past was far more gruesome than everyone may have thought. The lifetime docu-series also claimed Kelly was violent with Aaliyah on top of their illegal sexual relationship. Aaliyah's parents were not the only adults who knew about her abuse, allegedly.

According to Kelly's former backup singer, Aaliyah's uncle and manager, Barry Hankerson not only knew of Kelly's inappropriate relationship with his niece, but used access to Aaliyah as a bargaining chip when he wanted Kelly to renew his management contract.

If only Aaliyah had trustworthy adults around her while she was pursuing her musical dreams, maybe then her story would not have played out so tragically. Despite the controversy and negative press, Aaliyah's angelic voice and magnetic aura will continue to be beloved by millions of her fans all over the world. For more black stories and news follow Melanin Me Podcast!

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