On February 23, 2023, R. Kelly was sentenced to 20 years in prison by an Illinois judge for “sexual exploitation and enticement of a minor,” although 19 years of that sentence would run concurrent to the 30 years he was already serving for his convictions in New York, per NBC News. The last year of his new sentence was set to run consecutive to his previous sentence. In all, Kelly was given one additional year behind bars. Originally, prosecutors pushed to have the “Bump n’ Grind” singer serve 25 additional years, as they labeled him “sadistic” and “a serial sexual predator.” U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber believed adding an additional year — which would see Kelly released around the age of 80 — was sufficient.
One of the key witnesses in the conviction of Kelly in Illinois was a victim using the pseudonym “Jane” who gave a powerful testimony. “I have lost my dreams to Robert Kelly … I have been permanently scarred by Robert,” she said in a statement, per the Associated Press.
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During sentencing, Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, argued that her client was unfairly targeted as a prominent Black figure in the music industry. According to Bonjean, multiple white musicians had committed similar crimes. “None have been prosecuted and none will die in prison,” she said, per NPR. Meanwhile, prosecutors wanted the judge to come down hard on the former R&B artist. “Kelly’s sexual abuse of minors was intentional and prolific,” they argued while pushing for a consecutive sentence.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
