R&B singer R. Kelly has been sentenced to a total of 50 years in prison, with 20 years added to his previous 30-year sentence, for his involvement in child pornography and sexual abuse of minors. The latest sentencing was delivered by a federal judge in the US state of Illinois on Thursday, 23 September.
The jury found that the 56-year-old singer had produced three videos of himself sexually abusing his 14-year-old goddaughter. The judge ruled that all but one year of the additional sentence would be served concurrently with the earlier 30-year sentence that R. Kelly received in June 2022, when he was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking by a jury in Brooklyn.
R. Kelly’s lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, argued in court that her client “would probably die in prison anyway”, but that if he did not, he would not pose a threat in old age. However, prosecutors argued that Kelly deserved a 25-year sentence on top of his previous one, citing his lack of remorse as a reason why he would pose a danger to society if released.
The singer’s convictions relate to his involvement in leading a network of sexual exploitation of women and adolescents for decades, as well as producing pornography, including child pornography. He had previously avoided conviction in 2008 when he was found not guilty of 14 counts in a child pornography trial.
Born Robert Sylvester Kelly, the singer faced one count of organized crime and eight violations of the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting people across state lines to have sex. He denied all accusations.
In addition to his criminal convictions, R. Kelly has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse over the years, with many of his accusers being underage at the time of the incidents. The allegations have tarnished the once-popular singer’s reputation and career.
The latest sentencing comes as a victory for the many victims who have come forward with their stories of abuse by R. Kelly, and for advocates of justice for survivors of sexual violence. However, it also highlights the continued prevalence of sexual violence in society, particularly against minors, and the need for greater accountability and support for survivors.
As the legal process continues, it is hoped that survivors of sexual violence will be empowered to speak out and seek justice, and that perpetrators of such crimes will be held accountable for their actions. The sentencing of R. Kelly serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and that justice can be served even in cases where the crimes have been committed over many years.
