Many of the women of Highbrid Nation have been very outspoken with our continued coverage of R. Kelly feeling that we were in a way condoning the behavior he perpetuated.  However following his recent acquittal on all child pornography charges I felt it was appropriate to post his first public comments which he made about the case last night (Tues) on BET News. 

“If it has had any impact, I would hope it would be a positive impact and I can move on with my life. I hope people can give me my life back.”

Referring to those family members, namely his brother Carey Kelly who turned against him during the seven year trial R. Kelly responded by saying:

“Unfortunately the people that don’t work for me say tha t… and the people that don’t work for me were fired,” said Kelly. “Do not listen to the people that were fired, listen to the facts. I know people are out to get me because I’m very vulnerable, especially during a seven-year trial.”

Interestingly enough however, Kelly still is intent on keeping younger company.  When questioned about his teenage fetish, Kelly responded:

“When you say teenage, how old do you mean? I have some 19-year-old friends, but I don’t like anyone illegal if that’s what we are talking about, underage.”

Speaking about the future:

“I’m not going to let this affect my gift.  I’ve done vintage R. Kelly songs during the trial because I said no matter what, I’m not going to let this make me run under a rock and not do my job. Some people fall off and I chose not to do that.”

Now that the case is over an all is said and done do we group R. Kelly with the O.J. Simpsons of the world or do we give him reprieve and honor that the US court system gave him a fair trial and move on?