Ep 2. Hiding In Plain Sight

In Surviving R. Kelly season 1 episode 2, titled "Hiding In Plain Sight," we see how R. Kelly used his fame and power to hide his alleged abuse of young girls behind a carefully crafted facade. The episode begins with a clip of R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly," a song that served as an anthem for millions of fans. But as the survivors of R. Kelly's abuse narrate their stories, the lyrics of the song take on a different meaning, as they describe how Kelly used his power and charisma to lure young girls into his world, promising them fame and fortune.

We hear from several of Kelly's former employees, who describe how he would instruct them to go out and find young girls at malls, concerts, and other venues. Kelly targeted girls who were vulnerable or had dreams of a music career, and would use promises of mentorship and support to gain their trust. He would then shower them with gifts and attention, while slowly isolating them from their families and friends.

One of the survivors who speaks out in the episode is Lisa VanAllen, who was just 17 when she started dating Kelly. She describes how he would give her a strict set of rules to follow, including instructions not to talk to anyone else and to call him "Daddy." Kelly would also allegedly record their sexual encounters, using the tapes as a means of control and intimidation.

Another survivor, Lizzette Martinez, tells a similar story, describing how Kelly would monitor every aspect of her life, from her diet to her wardrobe. She recalls how he would often take her to his house in Chicago, where he would lock her in a room for days at a time, forcing her to perform sexual acts against her will.

Throughout the episode, we see how Kelly's fame and wealth allowed him to get away with these abuses for so long. He had a team of lawyers, security guards, and other enablers who were willing to cover up his actions and silence his victims. And when allegations finally did come to light, Kelly was able to use his celebrity status to evade prosecution.

The survivors of Kelly's abuse who speak out in "Hiding In Plain Sight" demonstrate an incredible amount of bravery in sharing their stories. Their accounts shed light on the inner workings of a system that allowed a powerful man to exploit vulnerable young girls for years. And while the episode can be difficult to watch at times, it is an important reminder that survivors deserve to be heard and believed.