A federal appeals court in Manhattan has upheld singer R. Kelly’s 30-year prison sentence, along with his convictions for racketeering and sex trafficking.
According to Atlantic Reporters, Kelly was found guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking in 2021. In 2022, he received an additional 20-year sentence in Chicago for child sex offenses, including the production of child sexual abuse images.
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the appellate court ruled that the 58-year-old musician used his celebrity status to exploit and sexually abuse girls and young women.
A three-judge panel also dismissed Kelly’s argument that prosecutors failed to prove he ran a racketeering scheme to recruit women and underage girls for sexual exploitation.
The court stated: *“Supported by a network of managers, assistants, and staff over 25 years, Kelly leveraged his fame to ensnare young women and girls.
“Trial evidence demonstrated that he isolated victims from their loved ones, controlled every aspect of their lives, and subjected them to physical, sexual, and verbal abuse.”*
Reacting to the ruling, Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, announced that she would take the case to the Supreme Court.