A verdict is expected soon in the trial of R. The allegations against the US pop star are serious.
New York – The R’n’B star has built a “Robert Kelly-centric universe” around him. This is how prosecutor Elizabeth Geddes put it in her closing argument in the trial of R. Kelly. The 54-year-old singer from the USA is accused of having sexually abused women and girls for decades. The singer used “lies, manipulation, threats and physical abuse” to protect himself from prosecution.
A whole ring of supporters is said to have helped R. Kelly. They are said to have recruited victims for the superstar over decades and put them under pressure. “Without it, the accused would not have been able to pursue his crime pattern for almost three decades,” said Prosecutor Geddes in New York.
R. Kelly in court: Eleven people accuse him of sexual abuse
There are said to be eleven alleged victims, including men. Six of the victims were minors at the time of the alleged abuse. One of the women who appeared as a witness blamed R. Kelly for forcing her to have an abortion as a teenager. The singer is said to have filmed his victims in places during the abuse, which in addition to the other charges would also constitute child pornography. Several women raised serious allegations against R. Kelly on the stand. He is said to have beaten, drugged and imprisoned her. One woman said R. Kelly even forbade her to use the bathroom.
| To person | |
| Surname | Robert Sylvester Kelly |
| stage name | R. Kelly |
| birth date | 8th January 1967 (age 54) |
| children | Jay Kelly, Robert Kelly Jr., Joann Kelly |
| Spouses t | Andrea Kelly (1996-2009), Aaliyah (1994-1995) |
Among the underage alleged victims was singer Aaliyah, who married R. Kelly when she was just 15 years old. The marriage was later declared illegal and subsequently annulled. Aaliyah died in a plane crash in 2001 at the age of 22.
Jury passed verdict against R. Kelly
In cross-examination, R. Kelly’s defense attorneys tried to portray the accusers as offended fans of the three-time Grammy winner who had become “spiteful” after the end of their relationship with the superstar and were out for revenge. Kelly himself decided not to testify in court. He denies all allegations and pleads not guilty. Now a twelve-person jury decides on the verdict. (dil / afp)
Picture list: © Antonio Perez
