R. Kelly dropped as festival headliner after public outcry

A music festival in Ohio has dropped R. Kelly as their headliner after public disapproval.

The singer had been lined-up to appear at the Fashion Meets Music festival on August 29, but criticism over Kelly's historic sexual abuse accusations has encouraged organisers to pull the plug.

Spokeswoman Melissa Dickson said: "The festival has taken a lot of heat, and we really just wanted to listen to Columbus, [Ohio] and really take a stance and move forward."

A rep for the singer commented: "R. Kelly is sorry to disappoint his fans but looks forward to seeing them in the near future during one of his upcoming tours.”

Local band Damn The Witch Siren had previously said that they wouldn't play the festival if Kelly was on the bill.

The singer has previously faced allegations of rape and sexual abuse, but he has never been convicted.

Watch R. Kelly perform live below: