Kerry Fitzgerald Douglas Facing Sexual Assault Charges
Accusations and Allegations
Kerry Fitzgerald Douglas, a 59-year-old Grammy-nominated gospel music producer, is facing multiple charges of sexual assault. Several women have accused Douglas of drugging and sexually assaulting them. These allegations have led to formal charges against him, and the case is currently under legal investigation.
Forensic Evidence
Some of the accusers underwent rape kits at hospitals, where forensic evidence was collected to support their claims of sexual assault.
Confidentiality of Accusers
The identities of the accusers have not been publicly disclosed, which is standard in cases of this nature to protect the privacy of the victims.
Kerry Douglas’s Career and Recent Partnerships
In October 2022, Kerry Douglas announced a significant new distribution and label partnership between his independent label, Black Smoke Music Worldwide, and Motown Gospel, along with Capitol CMG’s Re. Under Douglas’s leadership as Founder & CEO, Black Smoke Music Worldwide is preparing to release new music from 11-time Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike, Jr., including the infectious radio anthem “Impossible” featuring James Fortune.
Douglas expressed his excitement about the partnership, noting that the music industry is rapidly evolving and that this new alliance with Capitol CMG—the world’s largest Christian music company—and Motown Gospel, a legendary name in the industry, will help propel their vision to new heights.
Douglas’s Influence in Gospel Music
Kerry Douglas has been a key figure in the gospel music industry for decades. He has been instrumental in promoting numerous hit songs to the top of the Billboard Gospel Airplay charts, including recent hits like Maverick City Music’s “Jireh” and BeBe Winans’ “He Promised Me.” His label, Black Smoke Music Worldwide, has become one of the most influential independent labels in the genre, representing major artists such as James Fortune, Earnest Pugh, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Zacardi Cortez, and Pastor Mike, Jr.
Historic Partnership with Motown Gospel and Capitol CMG
The 2022 partnership between Black Smoke Music Worldwide, Motown Gospel, and Capitol CMG’s Remarked a historic moment in the industry. It was the first formal collaboration between the Motown Gospel and Redivisions, highlighting the significant potential seen in this partnership. EJ Gaines and Monica Coates, Co-Executive Directors of Motown Gospel, emphasized Douglas’s long-standing impact on gospel music and expressed confidence in the collaboration’s future success.
Douglas’s Legacy and Recognition
Over the last three decades, Kerry Douglas has transformed Black Smoke Music Worldwide into one of the most successful independent promoters of gospel music in the United States. His efforts have helped turn artists like Earnest Pugh, Zacardi Cortez, and James Fortune into household names within the church community. Beyond his label’s success, Douglas has promoted gospel legends such as BeBe Winans and Karen Clark-Sheard.
Douglas’s contributions to gospel music have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple awards from ASCAP and BMI for radio airplay achievements. In 2020, he was inducted into the Stellar Gospel Music Awards Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting impact on the genre.
