After six weeks of testimony and two days of deliberation, New York federal jurors concluded that R. Kelly he is guilty of all the charges against him relating to trafficking in human beings for sexual purposes. Eight of them concerned the violation of the so-called the “Manna Act” prohibiting the importation of women from other states “for prostitution or fornication”, and one for organized crime.
–
The trial took place more than 25 years after the first charges against a musician who was found innocent in 2008 in a child pornography case.
–
The breakthrough in this case, however, turned out to be the documentary “Surviving R. Kelly“in which many women blamed music for sexual abuse. The victims later repeated their testimony during the trial that culminated in years-long accusations against the author of the blockbuster “I believe I can fly” .
–
Treated as slaves, often underage girls, they were forced to satisfy the star’s sexual needs. Among them, one can mention the deceased Aaliyahwhich the Grammy winner illegally married when she was just 15 years old.
–
See also: # 11 questions about violence against women, part 1
—
According to shocking testimony, one of the victims was through Kelly’ego detained without food or drink for two days, then raped.
–
—
The musician’s victims were ordered to call the star “Daddy”, jump and kiss him every time he walked into the room, and cheer just him at basketball games. The testimony was also confirmed by earlier reports, according to which R. Kelly was to consciously infect his mistresses with the genital herpes virus.
–
His victims were reportedly forced to sign a confidentiality document, moreover, they were beaten and punished when they broke “Rob’s rules”. One of them confessed that for her “crimes” she had to smear feces on her face, which Kelly filmed. Such recordings, as well as “sex tapes” with the star, were to be used by him to blackmail girls.
–
R. Kelly pleads not guilty. His attorney called the accusers “groupies” and “stalkers.” He also announced that they are considering appealing to the court’s judgment.
–
—
Kelly’emu for the above-mentioned actions he is threatening from 10 years imprisonment up to life imprisonment. The sentence will be announced in May 2022. Until then, the star will remain behind bars. Besides, this is not the end of his problems. Trials in Illinois and Minnesota are still waiting for the disgraced musician.
–
—
