R. Kelly Gives First Interview Since Recent Charges, Denies Sexual Abuse Claims

R. Kelly is speaking out for the first time since his recent sexual abuse charges in an interview with CBS This Morning‘s Gayle King.

The 52-year-old disgraced singer denied claims that he had sexual relations with underage girls and teared up when he said he was “fighting” for his life.

When asked if he’s been with underage girls, R. Kelly brought up the past cases where he was acquitted.

“I beat my case. When you beat something, you beat it… You can’t double-jeopardy me like that. You can’t. It’s not fair. It’s not fair to nobody. When you beat your case, you beat your case,” he said. When Gayle asked about the other cases, he said, “Not true. Whether they’re old rumors, new rumors, future rumors, not true.”

He was then asked if he’s ever held anybody against their will.

“I don’t need to. Why would I? How stupid would it be for R. Kelly, with all I’ve been through in my way, way past, to hold somebody, let alone 4, 5, 6, 50, you said – how stupid would I be to do that?” he said. “That’s stupid! Use your common sense. Forget the blogs, forget how you feel about me. Hate me if you want to, love me if you want. But just use your common sense. How stupid would it be for me, with my crazy past and what I’ve been through – oh right now I just think I need to be a monster and hold girls against their will, chain them up in my basement, and don’t let them eat, don’t let them out, unless they need some shoes down the street from their uncle!”

“Stop it. You don’t quit playing. Quit playing. I didn’t do this stuff! This is not me! I’m fighting for my f***ing life!” he added.

The interview will air on CBS This Morning on Wednesday (March 6) and Thursday (March 7).