Podcast Hosts Defend Their Interview With R. Kelly Amid Backlash
Podcast hosts April Smith and Patricia Dillard defend their controversial R. Kelly interview, despite backlash from fans.
April Smith and Patricia Dillard, the hosts of the podcast where convicted singer R. Kelly belted out a few of his tunes, have defended their interview with him.
Kelly made a rare podcast appearance on Smith and Dillard's podcast and revealed he has written 25 albums while in prison.
However, several fans expressed displeasure at Kelly's revelation that he was working on new music and wondered why the podcast hosts gave him an audience.
Podcast Hosts Reveal Interview With R. Kelly Was Accidental
Smith and Dillard knew that posting their interview with R. Kelly on their "Intimate Tea with A&P" podcast could get them dragged on the internet.
However, they went ahead to do so and don't seem to regret their actions despite getting backlash.
The duo spoke to TMZ amid the buzz their interview with Kelly was generating and revealed that it happened accidentally.
They said they were interviewing another inmate who told them he was in the same prison as the disgraced R&B singer. The inmate then found a way to get Kelly on the line.
Smith and Dillard shared that they didn't have a problem with the interview going ahead because they didn't discuss Kelly's case with him.
The incarcerated singer is subject to a gag order while appealing his conviction on multiple charges, including forced labor, sexual exploitation of a minor, and violations of the Mann Act.
Podcast Hosts Don't Regret Interviewing R. Kelly
While not everyone would have been comfortable interviewing R. Kelly from prison, the podcast hosts explained why they were fine with it.
Dillard said, "We're just 2 individuals who are able to separate the art from the artist."
They also revealed that the responses to the interview had been mixed, which didn't surprise them, considering that many people had canceled Kelly following his conviction. However, they said, "When R. Kelly calls, you answer."
Smith and Dillard also noted that they launched their podcast because they wanted to work on prison reform.
The podcast hosts usually speak to non-famous inmates, and their conversations are mostly about prison conditions. However, they got lucky when Kelly became a guest on their show.
R. Kelly Sings During Podcast Interview
During his interview with Smith and Dillard, Kelly shared his passion for music by singing snippets from his hit songs, "When a Woman's Fed Up," and "Step in the Name of Love."
The 58-year-old shared that his love for music hasn't waned and described singing as "a beautiful disease that's incurable."
In addition to writing 25 albums in prison, Kelly shared that he is focused on regaining his freedom but was being patient while doing so.
Kelly's efforts to regain his freedom suffered a setback in February after a federal appeal court upheld his racketeering convictions and three-decade sentence.
However, despite the ruling, his attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, said the singer is hopeful and resilient and will keep fighting for his freedom and justice.
Fans Displeased About Kelly's Desire To Release New Music
Why give him an audience? No one wants to hear a pedo sing.
— KhalessiAlGhul
