Two decades later and Robert Kelly got sentenced.
We reported earlier that the 55-year-old singer received 30 years in his Brooklyn, New York trial for sex crimes.
In September, he got convicted by a federal judge for racketeering conspiracy involving 12 individual criminal acts, which included sex with multiple underage girls. In addition, a 1994 scheme to bribe an Illinois public aid official to get a fake ID for Aaliyah, to marry her, while she was 15 at the time, Kelly was 27.
He’s been facing accusations for over 20 years. Reuters reports he didn’t speak during the hearing but always denied the claims.
Bill Cosby reportedly reacted to the ruling, TMZ reports. Cosby’s spokesperson, Andrew Wyatt, said the former comedian said, “The guy was railroaded.” Wyatt is “confident” the disgraced R&B singer will be released, like Cosby. In 2019, Cosby Cosby was convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting Constand. In 2021, the conviction was overturned after a DA messed up a deal he made to avoid prosecution. R Kelly doesn’t have that deal, so it’s unclear if he’ll get the same fate as Cosby.
Take a look at other reactions online:
Someone Tweeted, “How much sympathy do I have for R. Kelly, now that he’s been sentenced to 30 years in jail… #RKelly.” Someone else chimed in and said, “Now is a good time for him to fly,” referring to his 1996 Grammy-winning single, “I Believe I Can Fly.”
Now is a good time for him to fly……..
— Idris Tarin (@I_Tarin) June 29, 2022
Music/culture journalist J’na Jefferson said, “I fought HARD AF for this story to come out in 2018. Hugs, love, and healing to anyone who has been affected or triggered by R. Kelly and his actions, and anyone who has experienced sexual violence.” She continued, “Just thinking that he has another trial in a Chicago in August. Maybe *even more* jail time [coming.]”
One person said, “They give them such a small amount of time. I hope they deal with him inside.” Someone else replied, “He’ll be 85 when he comes out, if he makes it that long and if he doesn’t pick up more charges from the inside.. It’s a wrap for R Kelly.” Another online user said on Twitter, “Very good. Black girls deserve protection and justice!”
Very good. Black girls deserve protection and justice!
— Pussy Should Face The World! (@Chivie__) June 29, 2022
R. Kelly isn’t out of the woods yet. His Chicago trial date has been delayed due to issues with the availability of the courtroom. The jury trial date was set for August 1 and is pushed back to the 15. He could face more time.
Let us know your thoughts.