( CNN ) -- An R. Kelly concert appearance in Columbus , Ohio , has been canceled after protests . Kelly was scheduled to perform at the Fashion Meets Music Festival , scheduled for Labor Day weekend in the Ohio capital . But after a backlash on social media , the festival decided to drop the controversial singer , the festival 's communications director , Melissa Dickson , said in a statement . `` The people of Columbus did n't feel that R. Kelly 's reputation was reflective of their community , and took to social media to adamantly express their opinions . FMMF heard their concerns and took action , '' Dickson said . `` We wanted to celebrate the already thriving fashion and music communities in Columbus and produce a festival the city would be proud to call ( its ) own . The motto of FMMF is 'Three Days , Two Loves , One Place ' and we recognized that the 'One Place ' needed to be heard . '' Kelly 's publicist released a statement to USA Today : `` R. Kelly is sorry to disappoint his fans but looks forward to seeing them in the near future during one of his upcoming tours . '' Kelly , best known for his hit song `` I Believe I Can Fly , '' has been the target of some protest since being accused of videotaping sex with a minor in the early 2000s . In 2008 , Kelly was acquitted on 14 counts of making child pornography . The accusations received wider coverage last year in the wake of Kelly 's latest CD , `` Black Panties , '' when The Village Voice ran a lengthy interview with former Chicago Sun-Times music critic Jim DeRogatis , who had worked on a series for the newspaper about lawsuits against the singer . HLN : Reporter : How I broke the R. Kelly story . Some visitors to the festival 's Facebook page welcomed the concert news . `` There are plenty of other artists still playing ... quality artists . This is not a loss , '' one commenter wrote . But others were disappointed , noting Kelly had performed at other festivals . `` Show is canceled , it is what it is ! ! ! And yes I will be getting my money back for the tickets I purchased ! ! ! '' said another . Other acts playing the festival include O.A.R. , Michelle Williams , Cold War Kids and Rusko . CNN 's Carolyn Sung contributed to this story .
R. Kelly wo n't be playing Columbus , Ohio , festival . There was a backlash on social media over his appearance . Kelly was acquitted of child pornography charges in 2008 . He had been accused of videotaping sex with a minor .