February 13, (THEWILL) – R&B singer R. Kelly has lost his appeal to overturn his conviction and 30-year prison sentence, as the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan upheld the Brooklyn federal court’s judgment.
The 58-year-old singer was convicted on eight counts of sex trafficking and racketeering, with additional child sex charges, including producing images of child sexual abuse, in a separate Chicago trial in 2022.
Kelly had argued that the trial evidence was inadequate, some state laws used against him were unconstitutional, four jurors were biased, the trial judge made improper rulings, and that a racketeering charge, typically used in organized crime cases, was misapplied.
However, the three-judge panel rejected his appeal, ruling that Kelly, “enabled by a network of managers, assistants, and other staff for over 25 years,” used his fame to lure girls and young women into his control.
The court found that he isolated victims from their families, controlled their lives, and subjected them to verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. It also ruled that members of his entourage facilitated his access to underage girls.
The judges dismissed Kelly’s claim that the trial judge unfairly allowed multiple accusers to testify, including those who alleged he knowingly infected them with herpes without disclosure.
They also upheld the decision to permit graphic videos as evidence, stating that they demonstrated the extent of control he exerted over his victims.
Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, stated that she believes the Supreme Court will review the case.
Born Robert Sylvester Kelly, the Grammy-winning singer is known for hits such as “I Believe I Can Fly”
