Popular R&B superstar R. Kelly was found guilty on all counts in a sexual trafficking case in New York on Monday, September 27, NBC News reported.
Kelly, 54, was convicted on one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, a federal law that criminalizes the transportation of “any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis said in a statement that “Today’s guilty verdict forever brands R. Kelly as a predator, who used his fame and fortune to prey on the young, the vulnerable, and the voiceless for his own sexual gratification.”
Citing his celebrity status, Kelly’s attorneys tried to portray his accusers as “groupies” that exploited his fame and take advantage of the #MeToo movement, a social movement against sexual abuse and sexual harassment where people publicize allegations of sex crimes.
They argued that their client never forced any of his accusers to do anything against their will, adding they remained in Kelly’s company because he treated them to expensive dinners, free air travel and other perks such as arranging for them to travel to concerts and other events across the U.S.
Kelly has been in custody since he was formally charged in 2019.
The singer had pleaded not guilty to all the charges but the jury, composed seven men and five women, after hearing the testimonies of more than 45 witness and deliberating for nine hours, found him guilty on all counts.
R. Kelly, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is American singer known for his popular songs “I Believe I Can Fly”, “I’m a Flirt” and “Ignition (Remix)”. He is also a songwriter and record producer and in the 1990s and 2000s, was considered one of the kings of R&B.
He will be sentenced on May 4, 2022.
