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SNL's Pete Davidson says people should keep listening to R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, then donate to a charity

The New York Daily News - 3/10/2019

March 10-- Mar. 10--Saturday Night Live'sPete Davidson isn't going to hit pause on R. Kelly or Michael Jackson anytime soon.

The comic said on the show's latest episode that he thinks people should continue to listen to the two music icons if they want, but "you just have to admit they're bad people."

"All I'm saying is, like, pretending these people never existed is maybe not the solution. The rule should be you can appreciate their work but only if you admit what they did," he said.

Earlier in the segment, Davidson called Kelly a "monster" and said he "should be in jail forever."

Kelly has been indicted on 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse involving four victims, three of whom were minors at the time. The singer, songwriter and producer, who has faced sexual misconduct allegations throughout his career, has denied any wrongdoing.

Sexual abuse allegations have been also made against Michael Jackson for years, and two of his accusers gave a detailed account of the alleged abuse, which they said started when they were minors, in the new HBO documentary "Leaving Neverland." Jackson's estate has denied all of the allegations. Sales, streams, and radio plays of Jackson's music took a hit after the documentary aired.

"I'm not saying it's an easy decision," Davidson said. "And the reason everybody's so upset is because R. Kelly and Michael Jackson made great music."

He added that he thinks Kelly fans are the same as supporters of the Catholic Church: "If you support the Catholic Church, isn't that the same thing as being an R. Kelly fan?"

"I don't really see the difference, only one's music is significantly better," he said, to a few boos from the audience.

The church has been embroiled in sexual abuse scandals against children.

Davidson offered a suggestion to people who want to continue listening to music or watching movies by alleged abusers: every time you do, donate a dollar to a charity that helps sexual assault survivors.

As the "Weekend Update" segment came to a close, Davidson lightened up the conversation by discussing his relationship with actress Kate Beckinsale.

"Apparently people have a crazy fascination with our age difference, but it doesn't really bother us," he said. Beckinsale is 45 and Davidson is 25.

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