On Wednesday (Aug. 18), the defense and prosecution made their opening statements in R&B singer-songwriter R. Kelly‘s sex trafficking trial, which was held at the Eastern District of New York courthouse in Brooklyn.
More than two years after his arrest stemming from charges related to sex crimes, the trial began with the prosecution, as Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Cruz Melendez delivered the opening statement for the government in front of U.S. District Judge Ann M. Donnelly and the jury, which consists of seven men and five women.
She argued that Kelly had “a team of dedicated employees and close associates” who had a “common purpose to promote his persona and fulfill his wishes and demands,” claiming the 54-year-old hitmaker “used his inner circle as a means to a criminal end.”
The singer’s defense attorney Nicole Blank Becker delivered her opening remarks following the prosecution. Her statements made an effort to debase his racketeering charge by claiming what Kelly was doing was not part of a “continuous, ongoing enterprise.”
“The fundamental reason we’re all here today is because the government wants you to believe our client, an internationally known singer, is the leader of some large enterprise — similar to John Gotti, the leader of a large mob family,” said Becker. She later claimed the witnesses’ testimonies are too fragile to stand up in court: “So many untruths told that even the government won’t be able to entangle the mess of lies.”
The “I Believe I Can Fly” hitmaker has pleaded not guilty to charges that accuse him of leading an enterprise of employees — including drivers, bodyguards, assistants, managers, lawyers and more — who helped him recruit women and girls, mostly from his concerts, for sex.
Kelly faces charges that include including racketeering, human trafficking, enticement of a minor, obstruction of justice and child pornography, among others. They cite events dating back to the early ’90s, most notably involving late R&B singer Aaliyah. The “One in a Million” singer, who was married to Kelly when she was only 15, will be referred to during the trial as “Jane Doe No. 1.”
If Kelly is convicted on all counts, he will face 10 years to life in prison.
Reporting by Neena Rouhani. This story is developing.
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