R. Kelly pleads not guilty as another tape allegedly depicting his sexual abuse of a minor surfaces
R. Kelly appeared in a Chicago courtroom on Monday morning, pleading not guilty to 10 charges of criminal sexual abuse involving four victims, three of whom were minors. The disgraced R&B star spent the weekend behind bars, as his team is reportedly having trouble coming up with 10% of the $1 million bond set by Judge Lawrence Flood. Per Deadline, Kelly appeared in court in an orange jumpsuit.
Though Kelly’s lawyer, Steve Greenberg, is confident that the singer will be “vindicated,” The Associated Press reports that attorney Michael Avenatti has obtained a second video that allegedly depicts Kelly sexually assaulting a minor. A few weeks ago, Avenatti turned over a “clear and explicit” videotape of Kelly allegedly performing sex acts with a 14-year old.
Avenatti confirmed as much on Twitter, saying, “I can confirm that we will be providing a second video showing R. Kelly engaged in sexual assault of a minor to prosecutors this morning. This tape was recently uncovered in connection with our ongoing nationwide investigation on behalf of victims. Justice must be done.” This tape follows another that Avenatti
If convicted in Chicago, Kelly could face between 40 and 70 years in prison. He’s also staring down a criminal investigation in Georgia over claims of assault and imprisonment, as well as a second grand jury, one based on investigations by the F.B.I. and the I.R.S., that’s been assembled in the Southern District of New York. The New Yorker also reports that a third grand jury could be convened by the Department Of Homeland Security over allegations of sex trafficking.
“I think all the women are lying,” Greenberg told reporters this past weekend. He added, “He did not force anyone to have sex. He’s a rock star. He doesn’t have to.”
Kelly remains imprisoned as of now. His next hearing is scheduled for March 22.