FAMU alumna opens VH1's "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta" reality series with emotional story

FAMU alumna Kimberly Michelle Pate, who now goes by the stage name "K. Michelle," has had a very trying experience in the music industry. She shared a painful story of abuse and betrayal on the premiere of VH1’s new reality series "Love and Hip Hop Atlanta," on which she is a cast member.

Pate accused her former ex-boyfriend, a music executive who helped her land a contract at Jive Records, of physically assaulting her. She also said that he misspent the production money that was supposed toward recording and distributing her debut album.

Her teary-eyed account created buzz throughout the blogosphere and Twitterverse.

According to Vibe Magazine, Pate later "confirmed in an interview that she was talking about former Jive Executive Memphitz," whose real name is Mickey Wright, Jr. He has denied the allegations.

Pate enrolled at FAMU as a scholarship music student in 2000. She served as Miss Freshman Attendant 2000-2001 and was a member of the FAMU Connection and the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. Pate also won the Miss Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University election during the spring semester of 2003 but was wasn't able to serve in the position due to circumstances that forced her to take time off from school. She graduated with a degree in psychology.

K. Michelle is still optimistic about what the future holds for her. In a number of interviews, she's said that Grammy Award winning singer R. Kelly is a mentor and friend who's helped her get back on her feet. Back in 2010, she was the only guest artist who appeared on his gold-selling album "Love Letter."

Pate’s new album is scheduled for release on July 9. It includes the single "Baby You & I," which features R. Kelly.