R. Kelly is facing 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving 4 alleged victims. The singer surrendered himself to legal authorities Friday, February 22, and his mugshot was released soon after. Kelly's arraignment is scheduled just days after his arrest, set for March 8.
His attorney, Steve Greenberg, maintains his client's innocence. He believes Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx succumbed to the public opinion's pressure. "I think all the women are lying," Greenberg said. "Mr. Kelly is strong, he's got a lot of support and he's going to be vindicated on all these charges -- one by one if it has to be."
Video evidence of Kelly's alleged abuse of a victim was announced earlier this month by Michael Avenatti. He gave the tape to the State's attorney's office, hoping that it would prompt a whole new case against the R&B icon. "This tape leaves no question as to whether R. Kelly is guilty of multiple sexual, illegal acts against a 14-year-old girl," he told reporters Friday, describing Foxx's investigation as "very thorough ... dedicated and methodical."
A grand jury convened in virtual secrecy following the reception of the tape. Kelly's attorney said he was not informed of this meeting and revealed that he is unaware of the videotape's contents.