R. Kelly goes on trial on in Brooklyn today on charges he was the ringleader of a two-decade scheme where he recruited women and underage girls for sex, including demanding they demonstrate 'absolute commitment' and call him 'Daddy'
By Brendan Pierson and Karen Freifeld
In her opening statement, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Cruz Melendez told the Brooklyn jury of seven men and five women that Kelly used "lies, manipulation, threats and physical abuse" to control his victims, and often filmed their sexual encounters. Kelly's lawyer Nicole Blank Becker rejected prosecutors' claims, saying the accusers' relationships with Kelly, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, were consensual.Kelly, a three-time Grammy winner whose songs include "I Believe I Can Fly" and "Bump N' Grind," has pleaded not guilty to a nine-count indictment that includes accusations of bribery and extortion. He has strongly denied wrongdoing.
But Pace said their relationship became difficult, with Kelly demanding she call him "Daddy" and get his permission to go to the bathroom, and ended after he choked her until she passed out.Known as Jane Doe No. 4 in the indictment, Pace said Kelly knew she was 16 when they had intercourse because she had shown him identification, but told her to pretend she was 19.
It is the culmination of years of suspicions and accusations against Kelly, many discussed in the 2019 Lifetime documentary "Surviving R. Kelly," and nearly four years after the start of the #MeToo era.Even if he is acquitted, he still faces sex-related charges in Illinois and Minnesota, where he has also pleaded not guilty.
Upon awakening, Sonja felt wetness between her legs, saw Kelly fastening his pants, and realized she had been sexually assaulted, Melendez said.
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