Singer R. Kelly, arrested on sex abuse charges, asks judge for permission to fly to Dubai to perform five concerts
- Court document argues that the singer, who is struggling to pay child support and legal fees, ‘needs to generate income’
- Kelly has denied any wrongdoing and has pleaded not guilty to the charges
Cash-strapped R. Kelly asked a judge on Wednesday to let him travel to the Middle East to perform several concerts, according to a new court filing that said he has struggled to get work in the US since his February arrest on sex abuse charges.
The R&B singer hopes to do up to five concerts next month in Dubai, according to a motion filed in Cook County Circuit Court. It does not specify venues or how much Kelly could earn from the concerts, which the filing contends were arranged before Kelly’s arrest.
Kelly, 52, also plans to meet members of royal families in the United Arab Emirates, the filing said.
The motion said Kelly is scrambling to pay child support, legal fees and everyday expenses because of the cancellation of Illinois concerts and a record contract, as well as the removal of his songs from streaming services.
“He cannot work, and consequently cannot make a living if he is confined to Illinois, or even the United States,” according to the five-page court document. “Mr. Kelly needs to generate income.”