Reuters People News Summary

Following is a summary of current people news briefs.

R. Kelly's attorney denies abuse allegations in documentary

An attorney for R. Kelly on Friday called a new documentary series about the R&B singer a "for-profit hit piece," and said accusations of abuse by the Grammy-winning musician were a "complete fabrication." The six-hour documentary "Surviving R. Kelly," which aired earlier this month on U.S. cable channel Lifetime, includes allegations from multiple women who accuse Kelly of sexual misconduct, sometimes with minors.

Jackson estate slams as 'pathetic' abuse claims in new documentary

Michael Jackson's estate on Thursday condemned on Thursday an upcoming documentary about alleged child sexual abuse by the late singer as another "outrageous and pathetic attempt" to cash in on his fame. The documentary "Leaving Neverland" will be screened at the Sundance independent film festival later this month and will be shown on cable channel HBO and Britain's Channel 4 television network this spring, festival organizers and HBO said.

Lady Gaga says won't work again with singer R.Kelly

Lady Gaga has vowed to remove a duet she recorded with R&B singer R.Kelly from streaming services and never collaborate with him again. Her comments, in a lengthy Instagram post late on Wednesday, followed a new television documentary in which multiple women accuse Kelly of sexual misconduct, sometimes with minors.

U.S. judge dismisses Ashley Judd's sex harassment claim against Weinstein

A federal judge in Los Angeles on Wednesday dismissed actress Ashley Judd's sexual harassment claim against movie producer Harvey Weinstein but said she could proceed with a defamation claim against him. Judd had accused Weinstein of defaming her in 1998 after she refused what she said were his sexual advances a year earlier.

Meghan takes royal roles at UK charities for women and animals

Meghan Markle, wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become patron of four organizations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theater and charities supporting women and animal welfare. Queen Elizabeth, 92, has passed on her patronages of the National Theater and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which she has held for decades, to Meghan, who married the queen's grandson last year.