A federal appeals court has upheld R. Kelly’s 30-year prison sentence, reinforcing his convictions for racketeering and sex trafficking. The disgraced R&B singer remains behind bars after a three-judge panel dismissed his appeal, stating that his crimes were severe and well-documented.
Federal Court Stands Firm on R. Kelly’s Conviction
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan delivered its ruling on Wednesday, February 12, rejecting Kelly’s attempt to overturn his 2021 conviction in Brooklyn federal court. The decision comes after his legal team presented arguments last March, contesting the fairness of his trial.
Despite the defense’s claims of jury bias, improper legal rulings, and an overreach of racketeering laws, the court remained unswayed. The panel noted that Kelly’s crimes were not isolated incidents but part of a longstanding pattern of abuse spanning over two decades.
Court Highlights Systematic Exploitation
The court’s ruling emphasized how Kelly, enabled by his network of managers and assistants, used his fame to lure and exploit young women and underage girls. The judges stated, “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.”
The panel detailed the disturbing extent of his control over victims, noting that he manipulated and isolated them from friends and family, dictating their every move. “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,” the ruling read.
Kelly’s Legal Team Pushes Back
Jennifer Bonjean, Kelly’s attorney, criticized the decision, calling it “unprecedented.” She argued that it grants prosecutors “limitless discretion” to apply racketeering laws beyond their intended scope. Despite the setback, Kelly’s defense team is expected to continue fighting the conviction through further legal avenues.
Little Hope for Reversal
With multiple convictions across different cases, Kelly faces little chance of legal relief. His conviction in Brooklyn was just one of several cases against him, all pointing to a history of abuse and manipulation. As his legal team continues to appeal, Kelly remains incarcerated, serving his 30-year sentence.
