by Shwetha SundarrajanUPDATE: Kelly has officially plead "not guilty" to all charges. Original story follows below.
R&B singer R.Kelly was arrested and indicted on February 22 on 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving four alleged victims. A judge in Chicago set the singer’s bond at $1 million, in addition to conditions that he turns in his passport and not have any contact with anyone under 18 years of age. Kelly turned himself in at the 1st District police headquarters Friday night, hours after the Chicago police department issued a warrant for his arrest.
Photo from Associated Press
Earlier today, Kelly made an appearance in court as prosecutors revealed graphic details regarding his sexual abuse against four victims, three being under the age of 17 between May 1998 and January 2010. These revelations include Kelly allegedly spitting on two of the victims, among other sexual acts. The indictment says Kelly used force or threat of force against his victims.
Photo from CNN
Kelly and his legal team deny all allegations, with his attorney Steve Greenberg telling reporters, "He is a rock star. He doesn't have to have nonconsensual sex."
Despite denying all allegations, Kelly’s DNA was found in semen on one of the accuser’s shirts, and semen found on one worn by another was submitted for DNA testing. Prosecutors say they also have a VHS tape of Kelly having intercourse with an accuser when she was 14.
Photo from ABC
Kelly spent another night in jail, unable to post bail of $100,000. Kelly’s attorney, Steve Greenberg says that Kelly’s finances are “a mess,” citing a child support judgment and no ability to generate residuals. Kelly will remain in jail until he can post bail or until his hearing scheduled on Monday. For two decades, Kelly has been plagued with accusations and rumors of sexual abuse and inappropriate encounters with women and minors. Multiple women have sued the singer for having sex with them when they were underage. The growing movement, #MuteRKelly petitioned multiple music streaming services and radio stations to stop playing his hits like "I Believe I Can Fly" and "Ignition." The Lifetime docuseries Surviving R.Kelly helped further the campaign against R.Kelly and bring the spotlight to his multiple sexual abuse scandals.Sources: Fox, NBC, USA Today, ABCImages:Associated PressCNNABC
