In a development that should surprise literally no one at this point, the phoned-in threat that shut down Lifetime's New York debut of Surviving R. Kelly has been connected to a business associate of the embattled R&B singer.
Police have tracked the Chicago area number that called in a shooting threat at the NYC premiere to Donnell Russell, who is known to be in Kelly's orbit. A Don Russell was named in a police report filed in Georgia by the parents of one of Kelly's alleged hostages. Russell allegedly sent threatening messages to the couple over their involvement in the docuseries.
According to TMZ, the NYPD is hoping to talk to Russell. However, they have failed to get in touch with the man who seems to have no problem picking up a phone.
As for Kelly himself, he is avoiding the impact of the series. He went out and celebrated his birthday last night at a Chicago nightclub while protestors chanted outside of his recording studio.
"It's my motherfucking birthday and I don't give a fuck what's going on tonight," he told the crowd.
Police were called based on the false claim that Kelly has a warrant out for his arrest. After the Chicago PD talked with Kelly, however, they confirmed that there are no outstanding warrants for the singer.
