Disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly’s hopes for freedom were dashed on Tuesday as a federal appeals court upheld his 30-year prison sentence for sex trafficking and racketeering. The ruling, delivered by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York, reaffirms the 2022 conviction that found Kelly guilty of exploiting his fame to sexually abuse women and underage girls over decades.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that the three-judge panel unanimously rejected Kelly’s appeal, which argued that his sentence was excessive and that some charges were improperly applied. According to Naija247news, the court described Kelly’s actions as “calculated and systematic,” emphasizing the severity of his crimes and the need for justice for his victims.
“The evidence against Mr. Kelly was overwhelming, and the sentence reflects the gravity of his offenses,” the court stated in its ruling. Naija247news understands that the singer, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, will now continue serving his sentence in a federal prison, where he is also facing additional state charges in Illinois.
According to Naija247news, the ruling has been met with relief and satisfaction by survivors of Kelly’s abuse, many of whom testified during the trial. Lizzette Martinez, one of the victims, described the decision as a “victory for all survivors of abuse.” “This ruling sends a strong message that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful or famous they are,” she said.
Naija247news reports that Kelly’s legal team has expressed disappointment with the ruling but has not yet announced whether they will pursue further appeals. “We believe there were significant legal issues that warranted a reconsideration of the sentence,” said Jennifer Bonjean, one of Kelly’s attorneys.
The case against R. Kelly, once a global music icon, has been a landmark in the #MeToo movement, highlighting the systemic abuse of power by celebrities. Naija247news gathered that the trial revealed harrowing details of how Kelly used his influence to manipulate and control victims, often isolating them from their families and forcing them into abusive relationships.
As the legal battle continues, the ruling serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of Kelly’s actions on his victims and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
