R. Kelly Settles $520,000 Judgment Amid Ongoing Legal Battles
R. Kelly, the once-celebrated R&B artist now serving a 30-year prison sentence for sex crimes, has resolved a significant legal judgment tied to his convictions. According to court filings from the Eastern District of New York, dated November 29, Kelly has paid the full $520,549.90 owed in penalties stemming from his federal cases in New York and Chicago.
In 2021, Kelly was convicted in New York on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, leading to a 30-year prison sentence. The following year, he was convicted in Chicago on charges of coercing minors into criminal sexual activity and producing child pornography. That case resulted in an additional 20-year sentence, with 19 of those years to be served concurrently with his New York sentence.
The $520,549.90 judgment includes fines, penalties, and restitution to victims identified in the cases. Federal prosecutors have been aggressive in collecting these funds, securing garnishments from Kelly’s royalty payments with Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Publishing to compensate his victims.
While this settlement addresses one aspect of Kelly’s extensive legal troubles, the singer continues to fight his convictions. His legal team has filed appeals in both the New York and Chicago cases, arguing procedural errors and jury selection issues warrant new trials.
The resolution of this judgment represents a step forward in providing restitution for Kelly’s victims. However, his ongoing legal battles serve as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of his actions and the continued pursuit of justice.
