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R Kelly branded ‘worse predator than Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein’ as R&B star faces up to 100 years behind bars
R Kelly has been branded “worse than Jeffery Epstein and Harvey Weinstein” by a lawyer for some of the disgraced R&B superstar’s victims as he faces decades behind bars for sex trafficking.
Gloria Allred spoke out after the “I Believe I Can Fly” singer was found guilty of exploiting his status to operate a coercive scheme to sexually abuse women and children over years.
The jury convicted the 54-year-old of all the charges he was facing at the end of a six-week trial, in which 11 accusers took the stand to describe sexual humiliation and violence at the hands of the singer.
Ms Allred, who represented victims of notorious sex abusers Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein, spoke to reporters outside the court in Brooklyn, New York following Monday’s verdict.
“I have been practising law for 47 years. During this time I have pursued many sexual predators who have committed crimes against women and children. Of all the predators that I have pursued however, Mr Kelly is the worst,” she said.
Kelly, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, will be sentenced in May and faces up to 100 years behind bars - 20 years for racketeering and 10 for each of the sex trafficking convictions.
He remained motionless with eyes cast downwards as the verdict from the jury of seven men and five women was delivered during a second day of deliberations.
His accusers had testified in lurid detail during the trial, alleging that Kelly subjected them to perverse and sadistic whims when they were underage.
Watch: R Kelly’s ex-wife of 13 years says her 'heart breaks' for their kids
The court heard they were ordered to sign nondisclosure forms and were subjected to threats and punishments such as violent spankings if they broke what one referred to as “Rob’s rules.”
Some said they believed videotapes he shot of them having sex would be used against them if they exposed what was happening.
The jury also heard how R Kelly kept a gun by his side while he berated one of his accusers before forcing her to give him oral sex in a Los Angeles music studio.
One of Kelly’s lawyers, Deveraux Cannick, said he hoped to appeal.
“I think I’m even more disappointed the government brought the case in the first place, given all the inconsistencies,” Mr Cannick said. Kelly’s defence had labelled the accusers “groupies” and “stalkers.”
For years Kelly managed to brush aside allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors, starting with the illegal marriage to the R&B star Aaliyah in 1994 when she was just 15. Widespread condemnation only came after the airing of the documentary Surviving R Kelly, which finally gave his accusers a voice.
Some of his victims told of their relief after the verdict.
“I’m ready to start living my life free from fear and to start the healing process,” said one accuser, identified in court as Sonja, who testified that Kelly had imprisoned, drugged and raped her.
“To the victims in this case, your voices were heard and justice was finally served,” Acting US Attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis said.
Watch: R Kelly wants to appeal guilty verdict
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