R. Kelly has finally been charged—here’s what we know
After decades of sexual abuse allegations against R. Kelly, the R&B singer is facing the consequences. Over the past several years, new claims against the musician, the #MuteRKelly movement, and the docuseries Surviving R. Kelly have all brought Kelly’s alleged actions renewed attention. As a result, police opened investigations into the singer, and now he has officially been charged with sexual abuse. The Chicago Sun-Times reported today, February 22nd, that Kelly faces 10 charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against four victims, three of whom were between 13 and 16 at the time. The charges span 12 years, from 1998 to 2010. The paper notes that Cook County Judge Dennis Porter has approved a no-bail arrest warrant for the singer.
According to records seen by NBC Chicago, Kelly will appear in court on March 8th. The news outlet notes that if he is convicted of sexual abuse, he will have to register as a sex offender. Sexual abuse convictions can lead to prison sentences between three and seven years, according to NBC Chicago. In a statement to NBC Chicago, attorney Gloria Allred said, “I am very glad that he has been indicated [sic] in Cook County and that this day has finally come for Mr. Kelly.”
"The days of running and hiding his victimization of women from the criminal justice system have now come to an end for R. Kelly," she added.
Several Twitter users praised Surviving R. Kelly producer Dream Hampton for her role in bringing Kelly to justice.
This took way too long. Way. Too. Long. A black woman made this happen. Thanks to @dreamhampton for standing up for black girls and women. Without her expose' Kelly would still be an enabled abuser. The end. https://t.co/lIn9PTCXPt
— Cocoa Popps (@CocoaPopps) February 22, 2019
I know it is Oscar weekend, but this proves some films are bigger than awards, ratings, and how much money is made. @dreamhampton's #SurvivingRKelly paved the way for justice.
The Latest: R Kelly charged with 10 counts of sexual abusehttps://t.co/Ja6JYZwwOu
— W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) February 22, 2019
.@womensmarchIL’s statement on #RKelly’s indictment
Big shout-out @LegisEmpress @SuiteLadyOro @dreamhampton @OffMuteRKelly & many others for making the world pay attention. Justice looks different for every survivor & every survivor deserves justice. https://t.co/9kmmy5qCWF
— Women's March (@womensmarch) February 22, 2019
But when journalist Yashar Ali called her a hero, she simply tweeted, “The survivors are heroes.” false
Kelly’s indictment comes one week after CNN reported that attorney Michael Avenatti said that he had a video tape depicting the singer committing statutory rape. In the tape, Kelly can reportedly be seen having sex with a girl who makes references to her “14-year-old” body. According to CNN, Avenatti turned over the tape to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office over President’s Day weekend.
After 25 years of serial sexual abuse and assault of underage girls, the day of reckoning for R Kelly has arrived.
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) February 22, 2019
It’s been a long road to get to this point, and hopefully Kelly’s indictment won’t be the end of this fight. As always, we stand with all survivors of sexual assault, and we hope that Kelly’s victims see the justice they deserve.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment or assault, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
