AceShowbiz - Bosses at New York's Madison Square Garden have defended their decision to book R. Kelly for an upcoming show, insisting those who disapprove can stay away.

The 15 September Memory Lane concert was announced on Friday, prompting a storm of protest from critics and women's rights activists, who feel the singer should not be able to profit from gigs while he's under investigation for a series of sex abuse and misconduct allegations.

These include claims he trained a 16 year old to pleasure him sexually and sexually abused two other women when they were teenagers. He has also been accused of masterminding a sex cult, and his ex-wife recently opened up about the alleged abuse she suffered during their 13-year marriage.

But MSG officials are refusing to pull the concert, telling Spin, "MSG has a long history of not censoring performers. We believe artists have the right to rent our venues to put on their own event, and that the public then has the choice whether or not to support that event."

Ironically, the gig will take place at the Hulu Theater inside Madison Square Garden - the venue recently snapped up by bosses at the streaming service, who are currently developing a documentary about Kelly's sex abuse allegations. Hulu bought the naming rights to the venue in March.

Kelly has denied all the allegations against him, and last month he released the single I Admit, in which he appeared to address the claims.