- Music
- 21 Oct 21
R. Kelly’s second federal trial is set to begin next August.
R. Kelly was placed on suicide watch after being found guilty of federal sex crimes las month, according to the disgraced singer’s attorney.
The 54-year old’s attorney — Steve Greenberg — revealed the news during a hearing ahead of Kelly’s next federal trial in Chicago as reported by Billboard. He currently faces life in prison with his sentencing scheduled for May 4th, 2022. Kelly may launch an appeal after this.
During a preliminary hearing on Wednesday (October 20) Greenberg told US District Judge Harry Leinenweber that, “after he was found guilty [Kelly] was placed under suicide watch,” but that he is no longer deemed to be a threat to himself.
On September 27th, Kelly was found guilty in Brooklyn of one count of racketeering rooted in alleged sexual exploitation of children, kidnapping and forced labor.
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He was also found guilty on eight counts of violating the Mann Act — a law that criminalises transporting a person across state lines “with intent that such individual engage in prostitution, or in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense.”
The singer faces another set of criminal charges related to child pornography and obstruction of justice charges, set to take place in Chicago on August 1st, 2022. Kelly will also face charges in Minnesota and Illinois.
After the guilty verdict, the city of Baton Rouge rescinded Kelly’s “Key to the City.” Youtube has also permanently deleted his songs from the platform however the singer has recently had a huge spike in streaming and song sales.