Story perspectives

Teddy Riley Defends R. Kelly, Faces Backlash, Retracts Comments

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Teddy Riley, the R&B producer, defended R. Kelly, saying he has spoken with Kelly, who is serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking.
Riley seeks investors to release music recorded in prison.
He emphasized forgiveness, stating, "Everybody deserves a second chance."
After backlash, Riley retracted his comments, saying the collaboration idea was a passing notion.
Riley promotes his memoir, Remember the Times, and plans future projects.

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Story summary

Teddy Riley, the R&B producer, defended R. Kelly, saying he has spoken with Kelly, who is serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking.
Riley seeks investors to release music recorded in prison.
He emphasized forgiveness, stating, "Everybody deserves a second chance."
After backlash, Riley retracted his comments, saying the collaboration idea was a passing notion.
Riley promotes his memoir, Remember the Times, and plans future projects.