R. Kelly performed his scheduled concert in Greensboro, N.C., on Friday night (May 11) despite a large group of protesters outside of the Greensboro Coliseum.

As we previously reported, several women’s group, who are supportive of the #MuteRKelly movement, urged the venue to cancel the concert altogether in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations levied against Kelly.

According to CBS News, the R&B vet delivered a defiant performance and at one point stopped the show to thank fans in attendance. "I've been through a lot of (expletive) this week," he told the crowd. "[Thanks] for y'all to fight for me all these years."

If you thought that R. Kelly was going to tone his show down in light of his scandal, guess again. The 51-year-old singer was bawdy throughout his set. At one point, he rubbed a fan's cell phone between his legs. He also allowed a fan to wipe the sweat off his face and crotch with a towel.

Outside of the venue, protesters criticized arena officials for allowing the show to go on and refusing to meet with women's groups over R. Kelly's "long term history of sexual misconduct."

"It's important for the black community to stand up and hold him accountable for his actions," activist Omisade Burney-Scott told CBS News.

However, there were some fans who remain supportive of R. Kelly despite his controversial past.

"Everybody has some skeletons in the closet," said longtime fan Clarissa Kelley. "I'm not going to tear down...every good thing he does, because of something negative in his life."

On Saturday (May 12), R. Kelly went on his Instagram page to thank the fans for their support in Greensboro, N.C. The post features a picture of himself holding championship belts with his song "Shut Up" playing in the background.

"I woke up today feeling like a champ! Thank you GREENSBORO, CHARLOTTE, and ALL MY FANS worldwide! I see your messages and support!" he wrote in the caption.

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