“I believe I can fly~”
“I believe I can touch the sky~”
“I think about it every night and day~”
“Spread my wings and fly away~”
Who would’ve guessed that years down the road…
These iconic lyrics would take a totally different turn.
R&B Singer R Kelly Convicted of Luring Underage Girls for Sex
R Kelly is in the news, but it’s not for a Grammy-related reason.
So lest you’re unaware, Robert Sylvester Kelly is a R&B singer responsible for classics such as Grammy-winning I Believe I Can Fly.
But it seems that in recent news, the singer has attracted attention for more than just his honey-dripping vocals.
After a five-and-a-half-week sex trafficking trial, R Kelly has been convicted for sex charges against women and underage girls.
He was charged on all nine counts he faced: one count of racketeering and eight for flouting the Mann Act, which restricts the transportation of people across state lines for prostitution.
According to prosecutors, he used his fame and charisma to recruit victims.
Some were even plucked from crowds at his concerts.
Apparently, he was demanding in nature, and would even punish victims if they failed.
They were also required to fulfill his each and every need, and obey his every rule. For instance, they had to call him “Daddy”, and had to seek permission to even eat or go to the bathroom.
In one case, a witness had hoped to interview R Kelly, only to get locked up for two days before being assaulted.
Defence
Despite the conviction, the defence has not given up. “I’m sure we’ll be appealing,” a lawyer for Kelly said.
They previously attempted to portray him as the victim, angling his accusers as ill-intentioned fans who wanted to seek revenge after falling out with him.
The defence also insisted that the sex was consensual.
In addition, his lawyers questioned why some accusers waited years to go to the police despite the “abuse.”
It should also be noted that R Kelly has several staunch fans who’ve pledged their support.
Sentencing
For his convictions, Kelly faces a minimum of ten years behind bars.
There’s also a possibility of life imprisonment.
His next sentencing will be on 4 May 2022.
It should be noted that in addition to his current charges, Kelly also faces federal charges in Chicago for child pornography and obstruction, as well as state charges in Illinois and Minnesota.
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Featured Image: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com
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