R. Kelly’s Manager Charged For Allegedly Threatening A Shooting At ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ Screening

R. Kelly

R. Kelly’s Manager Charged For Allegedly Threatening A Shooting At ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ Screening

R. Kelly’s manager Donnell Russell has been formally charged with two counts of “threatening physical harm by interstate communication, and conspiracy to do the same,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York.

Allegedly, Donnell Russell made an alarming phone call to NeueHouse, a theater in Manhattan where a Surviving R. Kelly screening was taking place last year. The controversial Lifetime docuseries featured various women who claimed they were sex abuse victims at the hands of the Grammy-winning singer and songwriter over a number of years.  R. Kelly is currently in jail awaiting trial for child pornography and other related charges.

Donnell Russell allegedly tried to stop the screening through a cease and desist order. However, when that did not work, he allegedly called the theater directly and advised the employee who answered the phone that someone would open fire if the screening took place. Authorities say that as a result, the screening ended.

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss released a statement following the charges, stating these types of threats would not be tolerated.

Threats of gun violence aimed at intimidating and silencing victims of sexual abuse are unlawful as well as unacceptable. We are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting such crimes.

Donnell Russell is scheduled to appear in court Friday (Aug. 14). He is facing up to 10 years in prison.