R. Kelly Sentenced to 30 Years for Sex Trafficking and Racketeering

R. Kelly Sentenced to 30 Years for Sex Trafficking and Racketeering

Disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for masterminding a scheme to lure children and underage girls into sex. The sentencing comes after Kelly’s conviction in September 2021 on nine counts of racketeering and sex trafficking.¹

Kelly’s downfall began in the 1990s, with allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse surfacing throughout his career. Despite this, he maintained a successful music career, with hits like “I Believe I Can Fly” and “Ignition (Remix)”.

However, the tide turned against Kelly in 2019, when the documentary series “Surviving R. Kelly” aired, featuring interviews with multiple women who accused Kelly of abuse and misconduct. The series sparked widespread outrage and led to Kelly’s arrest and indictment on federal charges.

During his trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Kelly had used his fame and influence to recruit and groom young girls for sex, often targeting vulnerable teenagers and using tactics like blackmail and intimidation to control them.