R. Kelly, the R&B famous person who has lengthy been trailed by accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse, was discovered responsible in New York on Monday on all counts in a high-profile sex-trafficking case, capping a trial that featured hours of graphic testimony from the singer’s accusers.
Kelly, who has been in custody for a lot of the time since he was formally charged in 2019, was convicted on one rely of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, a legislation that bars the transport of individuals throughout state traces “for any immoral goal.”
Kelly, who faces many years in jail when he is sentenced on Could 4, appeared stoic and wore a masks as the decision was learn aloud within the Brooklyn federal courtroom.
Kelly, finest recognized for the 1996 hit “I Consider I Can Fly,” pleaded not responsible to all fees within the case. The singer, whose actual identify is Robert Sylvester Kelly, didn’t take the stand in his personal protection.
The prosecutors within the trial, which centered across the allegations of six folks, alleged that the singer was a serial sexual predator who abused younger ladies in addition to underage women and boys for greater than 20 years.
Prosecutors additional alleged that the singer and his entourage led a prison enterprise that recruited and groomed victims for intercourse, arranging for them to journey to concert events and different occasions throughout the U.S.
In a closing argument that lasted two days, Assistant U.S. Legal professional Elizabeth Geddes accused Kelly and his entourage of utilizing techniques from “the predator playbook” to regulate his victims.
Kelly’s alleged techniques included confining victims in lodge rooms or his recording studio, managing after they may eat and use the toilet, and forcing them to observe numerous “guidelines,” together with demanding they name him “Daddy.”
“It’s now time to carry the defendant chargeable for the ache he inflicted on every of his victims,” Geddes mentioned Thursday in federal court docket in Brooklyn. “It’s now time for the defendant, Robert Kelly, to pay for his crimes. Convict him.”
Geddes characterised considered one of a number of specific movies in proof, which was seen by the jury throughout testimony however not made out there to the general public. She mentioned the video confirmed Kelly grabbing a sufferer by the hair and forcing her to carry out oral intercourse on one other man.
The lady’s “will had been damaged,” Geddes mentioned.
The singer’s attorneys tried to painting his accusers as “groupies” who sought to use his fame and make the most of the #MeToo motion.
Deveraux Cannick, considered one of Kelly’s protection attorneys, argued that testimony from a number of of his shopper’s accusers was false, saying in his closing argument: “The place is the equity to Robert? The place’s the integrity of the system?”
Cannick argued {that a} superstar like his shopper would don’t have any want for a prison enterprise to lure folks for sexual exercise. He “didn’t should recruit ladies,” Cannick instructed jurors.
He argued that Kelly’s accusers had been by no means pressured to do something towards their will. They remained in his firm, the lawyer argued, as a result of the singer handled them to costly dinners, free air journey and different alleged perks.
Within the Nineteen Nineties and 2000s, Kelly was thought of one of many kings of R&B. He was extensively credited with serving to to redefine the style with well-liked tracks like “Bump N’ Grind,” “I’m a Flirt (Remix)” and the “hip-hopera” venture “Trapped in a Closet.”
However the singer’s alleged behind-the-scenes conduct attracted better public scrutiny with the rise of the #MeToo motion, resulting in the #MuteRKelly social media marketing campaign, boycotts of his information and protests throughout the nation.
“Surviving R. Kelly,” a Lifetime documentary collection launched in 2019 that featured testimony from a number of accusers, intensified requires the singer to face authorized penalties for his alleged sample of abuse.
Kelly was beforehand acquitted on baby pornography fees in 2008.
The prison proceedings in New York began Aug. 18, spanned about six weeks and included testimony from greater than 45 witnesses. The jury of seven males and 5 ladies received the case on Friday.
The singer additionally faces fees in Illinois and Minnesota.
The Related Press contributed.
