R&B singer R Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted in a federal court last year on charges of sexual trafficking and extortion. He confronted seven of his defendants in court today, who gave impact statements to their victims, recounting their experiences with the singer. Prosecutors had asked to stay behind bars for more than 25 years in order to “protect the public” from the singer. He was convicted of nine counts last September, including one blackmail and eight violations of the Mann Act. Gloria Allred, who represents the three women who testified against R Kelly, told reporters that “no one can undo the harm done to these victims.” Proponents of her case have been working to make the actual transcript of this statement available online. They had asked for a sentence of 10 years or less, arguing that anything beyond that would be defenseless. Lawyers argued that the prosecution’s desire to lock the 55-year-old singer for 25 years was tantamount to life imprisonment.
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Lizzette Martinez, who made a statement about the victim’s impact during the sentencing hearing, said she hoped R Kelly would have a harsher sentence.
Lizzette Martinez, a survivor of R Kelly’s abuse who gave a statement to the victim during the hearing of his sentence, said that the singer kept her as a “sex slave”. “I personally do not think it is enough, but I am satisfied with that,” he told reporters after the ruling. Graig Graziosi29 June 2022 22:30 1656537312
SEE: Lizzette Martinez speaks after the conviction of R Kelly
Lizzette Martinez, who gave a statement of impact to the victim during the sentencing hearing, spoke after the verdict. He said he never imagined he would see R Kelly brought to justice. Graig Graziosi29 June 2022 22:15 1656536412
R Kelly’s Lawyer Says He Plans to Appeal to 30 Years in Prison
Jennifer Bonjean, R Kelly’s lawyer, said she planned to appeal the singer’s 30-year prison sentence. Kelly was convicted of sexual trafficking and blackmail in 2021. Watch Ms. Bonjean’s announcement in the following clip: Graig Graziosi29 June 2022 22:00 1656535251
Victims’ lawyer says they wanted the court to “understand their pain”
Attorney Gloria Allred, who represented the victims in R Kelly’s conviction, told reporters after his conviction that her clients “wanted the court to understand their pain”. “Together they managed to fight his power by strengthening,” he said. “I’m proud of them all.” She said her clients were “relieved to have been sent to prison”. Graig Graziosi29 June 2022 21:40 1656534651
Homeland Security Officer calls R Kelly “productive serial predator”
Steve Francis, deputy chief executive of Homeland Security, said R Kelly was a “productive serial predator who used his status as a Grammy Award-winning familiar name to cause pain and agony to many victims “. “Today’s conviction sends a message that no amount of money or reputation is enough to evade justice,” said Mr Francis. “Money, power and fame will not buy you immunity.” He described the decision as a victory for the survivors and a justification for their decades of abuse. “Despite intense public scrutiny, despite the slander of social media, despite threats to their health and safety, and despite being asked to relive pain from the most traumatic parts of their lives, they told their stories. “And their voice can be heard,” he said Mr Kranis said “Kelly underestimated the bravery and resilience of those she once hunted when they were young and vulnerable.” Graig Graziosi June 29, 2022 9:30 p.m. 1656534020
SEE: R Kelly sentenced to 30 years in prison
R Kelly Sentenced to 30 years in prison Graig Graziosi June 29, 2022 9:20 p.m. 1656533420
U.S. Attorney Calls R Kelly “Predatory” After Conviction
Breon Peace, the U.S. attorney general for the Eastern District of New York, spoke to reporters after R Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison for blackmail and sex trafficking. “R Kelly is a predator,” he said. “He continued to commit his crimes for almost 30 years and avoided punishment – until today. These are the voices of mostly black and brown women and children who were heard and believed. Justice has finally been served. This is a victory for them, for justice and for the victims of sexual assault. “Victims must be heard, the perpetrators must be held accountable and women and children must be protected.” He said he hoped the sentence would show that “no matter how rich [and] famous “an abuser will be brought to justice. Graig Graziosi29 June 2022 21:10 1656532618
The judge tells R Kelly that he taught the victims that “love is enslavement and violence.”
U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly sentenced R Kelly to 30 years in prison Wednesday. After her decision, she told the singer that she used the promise of love as a vehicle of abuse. “You had a system in place that lured young people into your trajectory and then took over their lives … You taught them that love is enslavement and violence,” he said. Graig Graziosi29 June 2022 20:56 1656532213
R Kelly’s lawyer said he was “ready” to rule
R Kelly’s lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, told reporters he was “ready” for his conviction today. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sex trafficking and blackmail. He told reporters that “it is not predatory”. “He regrets it and he is sad,” he said. “He disagrees with the descriptions that have been given to him.” Graig Graziosi29 June 2022 20:50 1656529797
R Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison
R&B singer R Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexual trafficking and blackmail. Read more in the story below: Graig Graziosi29 June 2022 20:09
