Aaliyah’s uncle Barry Hankerson has claimed her mother, Diane Haughton, knew about the illegal sexual interaction between her daughter and R. Kelly.

On an episode of The Dr. Oz Show, Hankerson made some startling allegations about the late singer’s mother. He discussed what he called the “relationship” between Aaliyah and R. Kelly.

Haughton is the sister of Hankerson. Hankerson is not only Aaliyah’s uncle but the person responsible for having introduced her to the predatory Kelly when she was a 12-year-old musical hopeful.

On the show, Dr. Oz asked Hankerson if he was aware of the issues with Kelly and Aaliyah when they were happening.

Hankerson responded that he had no clue. Dr. Oz followed up by asking if anyone else in the family knew about the situation. That is where things became far too salacious.

“I think my sister (Haughton) knew a lot more than what we thought she knew,” Hankerson said.

His claims are interesting because, for years, Haughton has claimed that she had no knowledge of any inappropriate relationship between Aaliyah and Kelly.

Even amid Kelly’s trials where Aaliyah’s name and proven marriage to the disgraced R&B star continue to be of issue, Haughton has consistently denied that the two were sexually involved.

Making matters worse, in 2019, one of Kelly’s accusers, Lisa Van Allen, claimed that Kelly admitted to having a sexual relationship with Aaliyah’s mother as well. She claimed that there was an attraction between Haughton and the “Fiesta” singer and that they would have sex while Aaliyah slept in another room.

If this is true, it would not be surprising (though disappointing) that Haughton downplayed knowledge of the illicit interactions between her daughter and Kelly.

As the trial progresses, there are sure to be more startling details that will come to light. For now, all we can hope for is justice for the victims, living and deceased.