The singer R. Kelly has denied claims that he keeps a household of young women in a "cult" atmosphere.

The 50-year-old has been accused of running a “cult” of young aspiring female musicians, living in a series of houses in Atlanta and Chicago, and forbidden from using their own mobile phones.

Two sets of parents have gone to the police to try and win back their daughters, who approached the 50-year-old with the aim of furthering their music careers, and ended up estranged from their families.

The police have investigated, but the girls insist they are in love with Kelly. And, as they are over the age of consent, there is nothing that law enforcement can do.

Kelly’s lawyer, Linda Mensch, defended the singer.

"Mr Robert Kelly is both alarmed and disturbed at the recent revelations attributed to him," she said, in a statement emailed to The Telegraph.