R Kelly trial – ‘Predatory’ singer ‘said ‘that’s good’ when sex abuse victim, 16, told him she was a virgin’
R KELLY allegedly coaxed a 16-year-old fan back to his mansion after she attended his 2008 child porn trial, and praised her when she told him she was a virgin.
The star's trial got underway on Wednesday as he faces charges of racketeering after allegedly forcing victims to call him "Daddy."
Prosecutors branded the music mogul a "predator" and alleged he used his fame to lure women and kids into an underage sex ring.
One of six women in the federal indictment, Jerhonda Pace, testified on Wednesday that her alleged abuser began grooming her after they met.
She said she had first encountered Kelly when she was just 14-years-old after she attended every day of his trial on child pornography charges in 2008 - where he was found not guilty due to insufficient evidence.
Pace then went to a party at age 16 and met up with Kelly, claiming that she was 19-years-old.
She claimed Kelly recognized her from the courtroom and invited her back to his mansion days later.
The then-16-year-old was allegedly ordered by Kelly to put on a swimsuit and parade back and forth while removing it, as he sat on a lounge chair.
Pace claimed the pair then began kissing before he performed oral sex on her - but she "felt uncomfortable" lying about her age and admitted she was 16.
She said she even showed him her state ID as proof, to which Kelly asked: "What is that supposed to mean?" according to .
in 2019 after being accused of using his position of power to lure young women and girls under the pretense of helping their music careers.
in total in New York, Minnesota, and Illinois, including sexual abuse and exploitation, trafficking underage girls, producing indecent images of children, and destroying evidence.
relate to a sex tape he is said to have made with an underage girl.
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."
“We want to make sure that we have justice for these victims.”
OPENING STATEMENTS
Opening statements in the Brooklyn trial began on Wednesday morning as fans gathered outside with signs reading “Free R Kelly.”
Prosecutors argued that the case is "about a predator."
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.