According to court documents, federal prosecutors have moved to seize property held by UMG and Sony Music, belonging to R. Kelly. They claim that money held by the companies could be used to help pay off victim restitutions as well as criminal fines, as he has a great deal of outstanding debt. Kelly currently owes his victims over $500,000 and has failed in making the appropriate payments, according to prosecutors. Their notice to Sony Music asks, “Whether the Garnishee has in its possession, custody or control any property of the Debtor, including non-exempt, disposable earnings.” R. Kelly is currently serving a total of 31 years in prison, for various charges including child pornography, sex trafficking, and other forms of abuse.
Last month, Kelly was transported from the Metropolitan Correctional Facility in Chicago to a medium-security facility in North Carolina, where he currently resides. Kelly's lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, later commented on the move, stating, "He continues to suffer from health issues caused by medical negligence at the MCC Chicago." She added, We are hopeful that [the new facility] will ensure that his medical needs are met.” R. Kelly also filed to appeal his crimes in April, citing issues he had with the jury that convicted him as well as various pieces of evidence that were submitted.
R. Kelly Owes His Victims
Timbaland also recently got slammed on social media for calling the convicted sex offender "the king of R&B.” Earlier this month, he told Shannon Sharpe of the Club Shay Shay podcast that he believes we should separate art from the artist when it comes to R. Kelly. “We all know that, man. And it’s funny, I’m glad you talk about that, because I be having talks- everybody jump when you say R. Kelly," he explained.
Timbaland continued, "I’m like, ‘So we just gonna ignore his music that he gave us, that we all jam to?’ No, we can’t do that. His art is his art, I ain’t gonna bash the man’s art. Don’t mix music up with personal. Music is a feeling, it stands alone. Music is something that don’t have no race, it brings people together. It don’t have no drama with it. It is a place of enjoyment, a feeling, so don’t bring drama into music. Leave that outside.” One social media user called Timbaland's take an "airhead comment."