Journalist Touré Responds to Allegation of Workplace Sexual Harassment
The allegation followed Touré's appearance on the six-part docuseries 'Surviving R. Kelly.'
This week well-known journalist Touré was accused of workplace sexual harassment by a makeup artist, following his contributions to the Lifetime docuseries Surviving R. Kelly. He has since issued a response to the allegation.
As Essence reports, in a post advertising Touré’s appearance on the Clubhouse With Mouse Jones podcast, a makeup artist named Dani wrote:
Dani told Essence Touré's involvement with the R. Kelly documentary pushed her to speak out publicly. “When I saw him going around as R. Kelly’s docuseries spokesman to different radio stations, the lies had to stop. I’ve worked with Mouse Jones before and wanted him to know the truth,” she said.
Touré interviewed R. Kelly for BET in 2008, and pressed the singer about his relationship with underaged girls. The docuseries producer Dream Hampton has addressed her decision to include him in the project, and the accusation against him. “I didn't know Toure sexually harassed someone he worked with,” she wrote. “He was included because he did the most famous interview with R. Kelly ever.”
Touré has since responded to the accusation through a statement sent to Essence. Read it below.
Touré was scheduled to interview Terry Crews on Thursday (Jan. 10), but the actor canceled his appearance following the report.
Author’s note: Touré has previously contributed to Complex.
If you or someone you know are being sexually harassed or assaulted, reach out to authorities at work or your local law enforcement. For more resources visit https://www.rainn.org/ThatsHarassment or contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.4673.
