R.Kelly Makes Statement Following His Indictment

Things are not looking good for singer R. Kelly as he’s been found guilty on charges of racketeering. Consequently, other allegations include acts of bribery and sexual exploitation of a child, along with separate accounts of sex trafficking. After decades of reported physical abuse, the singer could face life in prison. Mr. Kelly’s legal team shared with news sources that they plan to appeal the verdict.

The fight to prove his innocence.

Kelly’s defense attempted to paint a better picture in closing arguments by comparing R.Kelly to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mike Pence. Shocked by the verdict, Kelly’s attorney, Deveraux Cannick, spoke with reporters outside the courthouse. “…of course, Mr. Kelly is disappointed,” he said. “He was not anticipating this verdict because based on the evidence, why should he anticipate this verdict?” Cannick continued. “You saw witness after witness giving three, four, five different versions as to what they said happened here.”

Mr. Kelly also made a statement to his fans following his conviction via social media.

What led up to his conviction?

Disturbing allegations have swarmed the “R&B Thug” spanning his decades-long career. At age 27, Kelly married 15-year-old R&B singer Aaliyah D. Haughton. Since then, it has been challenging to separate the singer’s career from the allegations that followed him. In 2002, Kelly was indicted by a grand jury on 21 child pornography counts in Chicago. Mr. Kelly pleaded not guilty, and in June 2008 —after less than a full day of deliberations, he was acquitted of all charges. Oronike Odeleye, the co-founder of the #MuteRKelly(2017) movement, protested to remove R.Kelly’s music from the airways. Many accusers have come forward in campaigns, documentaries, and movies to bring justice to the victims.

“For some reason, he’s Teflon. And I don’t get that. I don’t get why the justice system can’t bring him to justice.”

Opposing arguments

London On Da Track’s mother, Cheryl Mack, worked for R.Kelly and testified that several instances made her uncomfortable regarding R.Kelly’s dealings with women.

R.Kelly in Court via Sky News

Attorney Gloria Allred, who represented some of R. Kelly’s accusers in his sex trafficking trial, had plenty to say following the verdict.

“I have been practicing law for 47 years. During this time, I have pursued many sexual predators who have committed crimes against women and children. Of all the predators that I have pursued, however, Mr. Kelly is the worst, for many reasons,” she told reporters.

Dedicated fans

R. Kelly fans continued to stick beside him as they gathered and rallied outside the courthouse. They are there to support the singer in his time of need.

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Written by Antoinette Ford