R. Kelly Witnesses Testify About Alleged Intimidation, Pay Offs In 2008 Trial: Report

BY Erika Marie 9.0K Views
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R. Kelly
They also say he had his team secure travel for underage girls to visit him for sexual purposes.

The grand jury is in session, and they've steadily been hearing testimony from witnesses who paint an unfavorable picture of R. Kelly. There are investigations into Kelly in both Illinois and various districts in New York, and the singer and his attorneys are doing their best to prepare a defense. TMZ reports that on Wednesday, witnesses took to the stand to say that Kelly's entourage made arrangements for underaged girls to travel across state lines for the purpose of sexual intercourse. 

One person reportedly told the grand jury that members of Kelly's team paid people to not take the stand in his 2008 trial where he faced charges of child pornography. According to TMZ, Kelly alleged paid off the family of his purported victim in the 2008 case. Prosecutors tried convincing a jury that the girl in a sex tape was Kelly's goddaughter, but the jury didn't believe the accusations and Kelly was acquitted. The girls didn't testify at the trial.

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Kelly's 2008 case is reportedly at the forefront of this grand jury testimony as the court attempts to navigate allegations of witness intimidation and threats of physical violence. Some have stated that at the time, witnesses were sent on vacations during the trial to keep them from testifying against the singer. 

Last week, one of Kelly's attorneys,  Raed Shalabi, told The Blast that despite it all, Kelly is optimistic that he will receive a fair trial. He said the court of public opinion may not be on his side, but Kelly reportedly has faith in the system


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.