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The premiere of Lifetime’s upcoming docuseriesSurviving R. Kellywas abruptly cut short in New York City Tuesday night due to gun threats.
The film was only about 10 minutes in, when theatre management asked the attendees to evacuate the event, which was held at NeuHouse Madison Square.
Once everyone was safely out of the building, event organizers were heard telling the crowd, “We exited the building out of an abundance of caution, but this is all the more reason why we need to make sure this message is heard.”
A spokesperson for the New York City Police Department tells PEOPLE they received a call from NeuHouse management, explaining that someone had made threats to fire shots during the premiere.
When NYPD arrived, they explained the film had already been stopped and attendees were in the process of exiting the building.
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The spokesperson also said there were no injuries or arrests made. However, they will be taking a report down of the incident.
Shortly after the scare, Lifetime issued a statement, claiming the alleged threats were an “intimidation tactic.”
“There were several called in gun threats to NeueHouse. With the safety of guests in mind, we decided to evacuate the theater,” Lifetime explained.
“This was an intimidation tactic from R. Kelly to further silence these women.”
A representative forR. Kellydid not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Throughout Kelly’s career, a number of womenincluding his ex-wifeAndrea Kelly, who attended the premiere, have accused him of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
Surviving R. Kellyinvestigatesyears of alleged abuse and features interviews from Kelly’s “inner circle.”
Also in attendance were alleged sexual assault survivors Jehonda Pace, Lisa Van Allen, Lizette Martinez, Asante McGee, Faith Rogers and Kitti Jones.
The 3-part docuseries is set to air in January.
If you or someone you know think they are being abused, call theNational Domestic Violence Hotlineat 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) now for anonymous, confidential help, available 24/7.
source: people.com
