R Kelly trial: Singer branded a ‘predator’ who used his fame to lure women and kids into his ‘underage sex ring’
R KELLY has been branded a "predator" by prosecutors who allege the singer used his fame to lure women and kids into an underage sex ring.
The star's trial got underway on Wednesday as he faces charges of racketeering after allegedly forcing victims to call him “Daddy.”
in total in New York, Minnesota, and Illinois, including sexual abuse and exploitation, trafficking underage girls, producing indecent images of children, and destroying evidence.
related to a sex tape he is said to have made with an underage girl.
In total, he is accused of engaging in sex acts with five minors and using threats to keep victims quiet.
“R. Kelly, together with employees and members of his entourage, engaged in a racketeering enterprise that preyed upon women and girls who attended his concerts so that the victims could be available to engage in illegal sexual activity with him at a moment’s notice,” former United States Attorney Richard Donoghue said following his indictment two years ago.
The star - real name Robert Kelly - denies all wrongdoing.
Yet some legal experts believe that others allegedly involved in the ring could testify against the singer at trial.
Since his 2019 arrest, three of Kelly’s associates have also been charged for trying to “intimidate, threaten, or corruptly influence” his accusers.
“Anytime you have people on the inside, whether it’s a RICO case or a conspiracy case, it’s really important,” he said.
Three former employees said six women - all of legal age - lived in properties rented by Kelly, and "he controls every aspect of their lives: dictating what they eat, how they dress, when they bathe, when they sleep, and how they engage in sexual encounters that he records."
They also claimed he made them dress in sweatpants and were required to call him "Daddy."
That law refers to the transport of people across state lines for sex.
The indictment names six women and girls allegedly abused and at least three will be testifying during the trial.
“At this point, the public has only heard one side of the story in this case and that is about to change in the coming weeks,” a Kelly spokesperson said ahead of the trial.
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“We look forward to the truth and the facts coming to light as the defense will continue to vigorously defend Mr. Kelly."
The trial is expected to last for four months.