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Two bands have cancelled their performances at an Ohio Music festival due to headliner R.Kelly's allegations of sexual violence and assault.
Damn the Witch Siren and Saintseneca, both themselves from Ohio, have pulled out of the upcoming Fashion Meets Music Festival, taking place in Columbus August 14, after festival organisers announced that the controversial R&B star is one of the headlining artists.
R. Kelly was indicted on 21 counts of child pornography, based on a sex tape he allegedly made with an under-age girl in 2002.
Listen to R. Kelly's 'Cookie' in the video below
Whilst Kelly was later cleared of all charges, the case still haunts the star's image. Members of the band Saintseneca are among those who remember the allegations, stating that they feel "R. Kelly's selection as a performer ignores his very serious allegations of sexual violence and assault."
The Ohio band continued by saying that they believe "it is an affront to all survivors, who are already often overlooked and forgotten in our society."
Instead, Saintseneca have decided to host an alternative concert to benefit victims of sexual assault.
As well as the aforementioned bands, bosses at local radio station Wcbe 90.5 Fm have pulled their sponsorship of the event due to Kelly's appearance at the festival.
Defending Kelly, Fashion Meets Music Festival co-founder Bret Adams has defended adding Kelly to the bill, stating that "We're not the morality police."
The Fashion Meets Music Festival will still be headlined by R. Kelly and will feature fellow headliners O.A.R. and Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams.
Below: Photos of R Kelly playing Manchester Apollo
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