R Kelly latest: John Legend says music industry ignored sexual abuse allegations for 'way too long'

'These victims deserve justice'

John Legend has addressed the latest in the ongoing case against disgraced R&B singer R Kelly, after he was released on bail after being charged with 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse. Kelly has pleaded not guilty to all charges, via his lawyer.

Speaking on Today, Legend, who was one of the only prominent artists to appear in the Lifetime documentary Surviving R Kelly, spoke about his decision to take part in the programme and also commented on Kelly's recent arrest.

"I think it's been a long time coming," Legend said. "I think a lot of us kind of tolerated or looked the other way on that issue for a long time, and a lot of people were being hurt for decades. We looked away for too long. Those stories have been around for decades."

The "Preach" singer said he was glad that the documentary got made and praised it for encouraging police in Kelly's hometown of Chicago to take action.

"I think let justice play out," he said when asked what he wanted to see happen next. "Obviously, it's difficult to prove anything beyond reasonable doubt in court, so we'll see what happens next, but I think that these victims deserve justice."