R. Kelly was convicted of several sexual crimes, including minors.
The singer R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison last Wednesday, the 29th, for sexually abusing women, girls and boys, more than 20 years after facing the first charges, according to information from the The Guardian.
In September 2021, a jury in New York City found Kelly guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering, on all nine counts against him. On June 29, 2022, the US District Judge Ann Donnelly imposed the sentence after hearing from survivors who attested to how the singer’s exploitation had repercussions on the lives of each victim.
“These crimes have been calculated and carefully planned and carried out regularly for nearly 25 years. You taught them that love is enslavement and violence,” he said. Donnelly when he gave the sentence.
At trial, victims described how R. Kelly subjected them to perverse and sadistic moments when they were minors. Several said how he would demand strict adherence to rules, such as needing permission to eat or go to the bathroom, as well as writing “apology letters” intended to absolve him of wrongdoing.
Before sentencing last Wednesday, some victims made statements, such as “Angela”, who said that “with each addition of a new victim, you grew in evil.” On this sentencing day “we claim our names,” she said. “We are no longer the preyed upon individuals we once were.”
Lizzette Martinez also stated: “Robert, you destroyed so many people’s lives.” Another unnamed victim, who addressed the singer directly: “You made me do things that broke my spirit. I literally wanted to die because of how low you made me feel. Remember that?” R. Kelly did not go to court.
R. Kelly is convicted of sex trafficking women and minors; understand
After trial in federal court in New York, United States, singer R. Kelly was convicted of sex trafficking in women and minors this Monday, September 27. according to newspaper The New York Times, musician just sat there with no reaction as he received the jury’s verdict. (via G1)
Comprised of 12 people, the jury entered into deliberation last Friday, September 24, and found the 54-year-old singer guilty of leading an illegal scheme for decades to recruit women and minors for sexual activities. The penalty can be decades. The sentencing hearing will only take place in 2022, on May 4.
The trial lasted about six weeks, in which prosecutors detailed an organization of abuse and torture, gathering evidence from 1991 to the present day. The prosecution invited nearly 50 people to testify, including nine women and two men who accused the singer of misconduct and abuse. While the defense presented minor alterations to witness accounts in order to convince the jury that the activities were consensual.
Among the charges were that he commanded a retinue of businessmen, security guards and other employees to recruit girls and women to have sex with him, as well as reproduce pornography, including child pornography. Kelly he was also accused of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting people for sex across state lines. He denied all charges.
This wasn’t the first time Kelly ended up in court. In 2008, he was found not guilty of 14 counts of child pornography. Singer could still receive more time if he is convicted of other charges in Chicago.
Source: Rollingstone
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
