R. Kelly crisis manager Darrell Johnson stepping down

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

R. Kelly crisis manager Darrell Johnson stepping down

Embattled artist R. Kelly's crisis manager Darrell Johnson is stepping down from the job.

CHICAGO -- Embattled artist R. Kelly's crisis manager is stepping down from the job.

Darrell Johnson says he's leaving because of personal reasons. The move comes after the publicist said he would not leave his own daughter with anyone accused of pedophilia during an interview Monday.

Johnson later clarified that comment, saying he does not believe Kelly is a pedophile.

Kelly's attorney Steve Greenberg said in a statement, "As has been reported, Darrell Johnson has decided to take some time off, for personal reasons, from his efforts on behalf of R. Kelly. The defense wants to thank Mr. Johnson for his tireless assistance and looks forward to his return. He shares our confidence that this is an unprecedented assault against R. Kelly by others, for their own personal gain, and in the innocence of R. Kelly."

Kelly is facing federal sex charges in Chicago and New York. He was ordered held without bond after appearing in court in Chicago last week.

RELATED: R. Kelly arrested by NYPD in Chicago on federal sex crime charges including child pornography, obstruction of justice

As part of the indictment filed in Chicago, Kelly has been charged with one count of conspiracy to receive child pornography, two counts of receiving child pornography, four counts of producing child pornography, five counts of enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.

The family of Jocelyn Savage interrupts a news conference being held by a publicist for R. Kelly after the siinger was arrested on federal sex crime charges.

In the second indictment out of Brooklyn, New York, Kelly is charged with racketeering, including acts of coercing and transporting minor girls to engage in sex, spanning two decades in New York, Connecticut, Illinois and California.

Kelly is already facing sexual abuse charges brought by Illinois prosecutors earlier this year. He was taken into custody in February, accused of sexually abusing three girls and a woman in Illinois.

In May, Cook County prosecutors added 11 more sex-related counts. Kelly has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the Illinois charges.

Previous coverage:

R. Kelly held without bond following Tuesday's arraignment on federal sex crime charges

Hearing in R. Kelly case to be held Tuesday after singer charged with federal sex crimes

R. Kelly appears in court on federal sex crime charges

R. Kelly arrested by NYPD in Chicago on federal sex crime charges including child pornography, obstruction of justice

R. Kelly pleads not guilty to new sexual assault charges

RELATED: Chicago reporter makes his case against R. Kelly in new book

RELATED: R. Kelly pleads not guilty to new sexual assault charges

RELATED: R. Kelly: New charges 'raise the stakes,' attorney says

RELATED: R. Kelly facing 11 new counts of sex charges in Chicago

R. Kelly pays $62K in back child support; Judgement in lawsuit vacated after Kelly's lawyers say singer can't read