How Chappelle's Show and The Boondocks used comedy to let R. Kelly off the hook

The New York Times

Using laughter, both shows helped to minimize the child and sexual abuse allegations that have been detailed in Surviving R. Kelly. "Two cultural touchstones that helped shape the public’s perception of the Kelly accusations are only mentioned in passing in Surviving R. Kelly. But '(I Wanna) Pee on You,' a 2003 sketch from Chappelle’s Show, and a 2005 episode of the animated series The Boondocks titled 'The Trial of R. Kelly,' embody many of the points made in the documentary," says Aisha Harris. "Revisiting them in light of Surviving R. Kelly demonstrates how, for years, those who laughed at Kelly were able to ignore the charges against him. It also emphasizes how much the cultural climate has shifted in the era of #MuteRKelly protests, and how much it has stayed the same." Harris adds: "It’s hard to argue with this point — even now some have found humor in Surviving R. Kelly, roasting him for his rumored inability to read or write. Looking back on Chappelle’s Show and Boondocks, it’s clear that there was more than one way to let Kelly off the hook, and comedy was one of them. Even if I was never defending Kelly, I was still laughing at him, and effectively ignoring his alleged transgressions." ALSO: R. Kelly reportedly didn't watch Surviving R. Kelly, but plans to sue anyway.