R&B singer R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison in New York for sexually exploiting children and luring aspiring young singers into an elaborate and masterminded scheme.
While in court, the former superstar from the 1990s encountered a number of his victims who described his “disgraceful and incomprehensible” mistreatment, earning him the nickname “the leading figure in R&B”.
Kelly’s sentence follows his conviction on multiple counts of racketeering relating to forced labor, bribery, and jury tampering last September.
The individual who is 55 years old was also discovered to have violated the Mann Act, which is an anti-sex trafficking law.
In Brooklyn, New York, the vocalist was convicted on all nine charges against him following a six-week legal proceeding, despite his denial of all allegations.
When sentencing Kelly, Judge Ann Donnelly stated that he had educated his victims “that affection is bondage and aggression”.
“Imposing a sentence on another individual is likely the most challenging task a judge must undertake,” she expressed.
With boundless wealth, fame, and worldwide renown, Mr. Kelly, you possessed a considerable advantage to assert that it is equitable.
“Utilizing your fame and influence… You had a network of individuals that you employed to attract young enthusiasts into your circle.
“Having your minions troll for young people at the mall… Handing out your phone number… For the opportunity to meet R Kelly.”.
“You considered yourself a prodigy who can accomplish ‘whatever I desire because of my contributions to the world’.”
Contemplating his treatment of his female victims, Judge Donnelly commented that there were elements of the testimony that she would “permanently recall”.
“You instructed them that love is bondage and aggression,” she included.
Kelly, clad in a gray prison-issued attire, did not seem to respond as his verdict was handed down.
He opted not to provide any statement personally prior to his sentencing because there are pending cases against him.
The vocalist is expected to confront allegations concerning child exploitation and collaboration in impeding justice in Chicago in August.
Kelly’s detailed court statements anonymously presented the impact of victim statements from seven women who heard how he used fame and power to entice his victims, in a complex and “God-like” manner.
A woman using the pseudonym Angela told him: “The pied piper of R&B, both in music and in technique and in approach.
“Achievement and affection… You portrayed these sparkling jewels as if they were precious.”
With each new addition, your cockiness and wickedness grew, soon becoming a breeding ground for complex, God-like self-awareness or any form of humanity diminishing.
“You were engaging in, expressing, and promoting reprehensible actions that no one should engage in.
“We retrieve our names from beneath the darkness of your suffering trauma.”
While the vocalist seemed to consult with his attorney, a lady recognized as Jane Doe number two paused her declaration, stating she “did not wish to disturb (Kelly’s) discussion” at a certain juncture.
“You are a perpetrator, you are shameless, you are repulsive,” she informed him.
The vocalist, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn since his conviction.