R. Kelly’s Convictions and 30-Year Sentence Affirmed by Appeals Court

NEW YORK — A federal appeals court has upheld R. Kelly‘s racketeering and sex trafficking convictions, maintaining his 30-year prison sentence. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on February 12, 2025, concluding that the singer exploited his fame for over 25 years to sexually abuse girls and young women.

The court’s decision followed arguments heard in March 2024, where the Grammy-winning songwriter’s defense challenged the basis of his convictions stemming from a Brooklyn federal court trial in 2021 that included multiple charges.

Jennifer Bonjean, Kelly’s attorney, stated that she believes the Supreme Court is likely to consider an appeal. She described the 2nd Circuit’s ruling as “unprecedented,” asserting that it allows prosecutors to extend the racketeering law to “situations absurdly remote” from its original intent.

Previously, the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal regarding a 20-year sentence Kelly received in 2022 for separate child sex charges in Chicago, including producing images of child sexual abuse.

The 2nd Circuit dismissed Kelly’s claims of inadequate trial evidence and questioned the constitutionality of some state laws applied against him. They also noted allegations of juror bias and improper trial rulings, and disputed the validity of the racketeering charge, typically associated with organized crime.

In the court’s decision, the judges emphasized how Kelly leveraged his fame, supported by a network of managers and assistants, to target minors for sexual exploitation. According to their findings, Kelly isolated his victims, exerting control over their lives while subjecting them to various forms of abuse.

The appeals court argued that it was justified to permit accusers to testify about having contracted herpes from Kelly without proper disclosure. They ruled that the presentation is not overly prejudicial and aligned with the facts of the case.

Additionally, the court found no unfair bias in permitting jurors to view graphic videos. These visual aids were deemed relevant to demonstrating Kelly’s control over his victims and the operation’s methods.

Bonjean also referenced a partial dissent from Judge Richard J. Sullivan. While supporting the majority’s opinion, Sullivan disagreed with a restitution award granted to one of Kelly’s victims for a lifetime supply of medication. He asserted it was not restitution but an attempt to unfairly benefit government witnesses.

R. Kelly, born Robert Sylvester Kelly, is recognized for hits like “I Believe I Can Fly” and “Trapped in the Closet.” Despite facing serious allegations of misconduct since the 1990s, he maintained a successful career and a wide fan base. He was acquitted of child sexual abuse image charges in 2008, but his 2022 conviction for related offenses solidified public scrutiny of his actions, further fueled by the #MeToo movement and the documentary “Surviving R. Kelly.”