Update 07/31/2021 3:06pm:

Previously, several new allegations against R. Kelly surfaced, with one of them claiming the singer groomed a 17-year-old boy and sexually molested him. One of Kelly’s lawyers responded to the allegations against him, saying they were pushed to “shape the public’s perception” in the case. Now, Kelly’s legal team has responded to the request for new evidence the federal prosecutors submitted this past week.

The singer’s team made it clear they don’t want any of the claims to be allowed on record, as there is another 17-year-old boy along with the first one, which the singer allegedly groomed and became sexual with down the line.

Their reasoning behind the response was due to their anticipation of jurors who may or may not have a bias with the LGBTQ community and same-sex relationships. Because the jury questionnaire is already filed and submitted, the singer’s lawyers claim the new development is messing up a fair trial. Kelly’s attorneys spoke to TMZ and said that sexual orientation in 2021 is still an issue outside of this case, and they are looking to vet the situation so that Kelly can get a fair trial.

The lawyers noted because of the recent development, none of the evidence should be allowed to be heard, especially since the trial is set to start in mid-August. Stay tuned for more updates.

source: TMZ

Original 07/27/2021 3:08pm:

Previously, it was revealed that R. Kelly was facing new allegations from his case in Chicago. The case is going to trial next month, and allegations against him say he sexually abused a male minor he met at a McDonald’s. Now, lawyers for the singer are saying that prosecutors are trying to smear Kelly.

Nicole Becker, a lawyer for Kelly, said, “This is nothing more than a veiled effort to pile on to further shape the public's perception in this case, ignoring that Mr. Kelly is presumed innocent until proven otherwise." Along with that, the defense for Kelly has said they will “vigorously oppose” new evidence requests by the prosecution. Becker said, “As the trial nears we’re looking forward to the truth prevailing.” Stay tuned for more updates.

source: TMZ

Original 07/24/2021 1:01am:

According to reports, R. Kelly is facing a set of new allegations which include bribery and sexually abusing a 17-year-old boy. 

Federal prosecutors allege Kelly had someone on his team "pay an Illinois state employee $500 to create a fake ID in 1994" so he could marry the late singer Aaliyah when the songstress was still a minor. 

Kelly is also accused of sexually abusing a 17-year-old boy in 2006. The teen encountered Kelly at a McDonald's when the boy expressed his desire to break into the music industry. Kelly allegedly invited the teen to his studio where he was asked how far he'd be willing to go to make it in the industry. Soon after posing this question, Kelly and the teen boy allegedly had sexual contact. The teen also introduced Kelly to a "close male friend who was 16 or 17," with whom he had sexual contact, as well. 

These new allegations come ahead of Kelly's federal trial in New York, where prosecutors hope the judge allows them to bring up these alleged crimes. The trial is set to begin in August. 

Source: chicago.suntimes.com