Singer R. Kelly has been found guilty of exploiting his stardom to ruin a scheme for sexually abusing women and children over two decades. Eleven accusers, including two men and nine women who took a stand over the six-week trial. They have described the sexual humiliation and violence.
After two days of deliberation, the jury has finally found the star guilty of sexual abuse with all nine charges. The sentencing is due on 4 May, and he could spend the rest of his life in jail.
The jury found Kelly as the ringleader of a violent and coercive scheme. He conducted this scheme for sexually abusing women and children.
The singer is famous for his hit songs Believe I Can Fly and Ignition. He is also facing charges for trafficking women between various states of the USA. Along with 8 counts of sex trafficking, Kelly has been found guilty of racketeering.
During the trial period, prosecutors detailed how his guards, managers, and other entourage members worked to assist him. The court has also heard how Kelly has illegally obtained paperwork to marry Aaliyah at the age of 15.
The certificate has leaked, which has listed the age of Aaliyah as 18. Her 1994 debut album got the patent from Kelly.
The woman who accused Kelly of imprisonment, drugging, and rape said that she was hiding due to threats. She can now live her life free from fear and can start to heal.
Another woman, Lizette Martinez, also said that she has lived with the verdict. Legal documents have further revealed the mental torment that the victims faced from him. He made them starve or stay away from using the bathroom without his permission. He further controlled what clothes they would wear and made them call him “Daddy.”
Kelly’s lawyer Deveraux Cannick claims that the singer did not expect he would be guilty over the accusations.
“The government cherry-picked the version that they thought would support the continuation of the narrative,” said Mr. Cannick. “Why would he expect this verdict given all the inconsistencies that we saw?”
He is also separately facing trial in Chicago on child sex image and the other obstruction charges.
Credits: BBC
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