Singer R. Kelly pleads not guilty to sexually abusing women and girls who came to his concerts
- R&B star denied bail after prosecutors say he posed flight risk and danger to public safety
- Kelly is accused of using his fame to recruit victims, isolating them from friends and family and demanding they call him ‘Daddy’
R&B singer R. Kelly pleaded not guilty on Friday to federal charges that he sexually abused women and girls who attended his concerts.
The 52-year-old Kelly was denied bail in a Brooklyn, New York, courtroom packed with his supporters.
He appeared sullen as prosecutors told Magistrate Judge Steven Tiscione he posed a flight risk and a danger to public safety.
Kelly’s defence lawyer requested his release so he could better fight charges they have dismissed as “groupie remorse”.
Kelly, whose full name is Robert Kelly, is accused of using his fame to recruit young women and girls into having illegal sexual activity. Prosecutors say he isolated them from friends and family and demanded they call him “Daddy”.
Assistant US Attorney Elizabeth Geddes said Kelly and his inner circle had a history of paying off and intimidating witnesses in past cases. She said witnesses were told “they had the option of choosing his side or the other side”.