A federal appeals court in Manhattan has confirmed R. Kelly’s 30-year prison sentence and convictions for racketeering and sex trafficking.
Kelly was sentenced in 2022 to more than 30 years in prison for racketeering, sex trafficking, and abusing some of his fans, including children.
After hearing arguments in March, the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals found on Wednesday that the 58-year-old used his prominence to exploit and sexually assault girls and young women.
The three-judge panel also ruled against Kelly’s claim that prosecutors lacked evidence proving he organised a racketeering scheme to recruit women and underage girls for sex.
“Enabled by a constellation of managers, assistants, and other staff for over twenty-five years, Kelly exploited his fame to lure girls and young women into his grasp,” they said.
“Evidence at trial showed that he would isolate them from friends and family, control nearly every aspect of their lives, and abuse them verbally, physically, and sexually.”
Jennifer Bonjean, Kelly’s lawyer, stated that she was confident the Supreme Court would accept the case for appeal.
She criticised the ruling, calling it “unprecedented” and referencing Judge Richard J. Sullivan’s partial dissent.
“This was not restitution. This was an effort by the government to unfairly enrich government witnesses for their testimony,” she said.
In 2024, a high court rejected to accept the singer’s appeal against a 20-year sentence for making photos of child sexual abuse in Chicago.
