R&B singer R Kelly has filed an appeal with a New York court to overturn a 30-year racketeering sentence handed down to him in 2022. The artist, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, was convicted of racketeering and trafficking after a highly publicised trial in New York in 2021, following years of accusations throughout his career.
In addition to the racketeering charges, Kelly received an extra year in prison on charges related to indecent images of children and child enticement in Chicago last year. Kelly, who was not physically present at the appeal, contends that prosecutors failed to sufficiently prove their racketeering case or demonstrate that he harmed multiple women.
Kelly’s appeal argues that he was denied a fair trial due to jurors prejudging his guilt, inadequate legal representation by his attorney, and overwhelming evidence of unrelated alleged misconduct that may have swayed the jury. Representing Kelly in the appeal hearing, lawyer Jennifer Bonjean challenged the definition of a RICO enterprise (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) and questioned whether such an organization must inherently engage in illegal activities.
Bonjean also addressed the knowledge of Kelly’s staff regarding his actions, arguing that while they may have performed unusual tasks, they were not necessarily aware of any illegal activities behind closed doors. Assistant US attorney Kayla Bensing, representing the United States, countered by describing Kelly’s systematic exploitation of young people, alleging that he lured them into his circle and controlled their lives.
Bensing cited instances where Kelly’s staff allegedly facilitated interactions with underage girls and mentioned evidence suggesting that Kelly’s team knew about his sexual activities and health status. The prosecution also brought up claims of forced labour, asserting that Kelly coerced individuals into providing sexual services through threats or physical restraint.
In her closing arguments, Bonjean disputed the forced labour charges, arguing that they were based on isolated incidents and did not meet the legal criteria for such charges. She also contested the government’s stance on the nature of a RICO enterprise, suggesting that it lacked precedent and clarity.
The judges will review the arguments presented and issue a written decision on the appeal in the future. Kelly, currently 57 years old, faces a lengthy prison term with no possibility of release until he reaches the age of 80. Despite his successful music career, Kelly’s legacy has been marred by persistent abuse allegations, especially highlighted by the #MeToo movement and the documentary series “Surviving R Kelly.”