Facing a total of 66 total violations following visit from building inspectors , the 'I Believe I Can Fly' hitmaker is ordered to limit the use of the space as well as to remove his personal items.
- Jan 23, 2019
AceShowbiz - R. Kelly's rented studio space in Chicago, Illinois will remain open despite numerous building code violations.
The property drew the attention of authorities after it was featured in docuseries "Surviving R. Kelly", which chronicled the decades of sexual misconduct accusations made against the singer. On the Lifetime series, a number of alleged victims claimed the R&B veteran had been using the location to hold girls and young women captive as part of a purported sex cult - accusations Kelly's lawyers have vehemently denied.
Prosecutors are currently investigating the situation, but in the meantime, Kelly has been hit with legal action from city inspectors at the Chicago Department of Buildings, who issued citations to Kelly for reportedly using the space as a residential property and not obtaining permits to build a sauna, steam room, and bar.
The "I Believe I Can Fly" hitmaker is reportedly facing 66 total violations with fines ranging from $500 (£386) to $1,000-(£772)-a-day until they are resolved. Kelly has also been ordered to remove his personal items from the premises and can only use the building between the hours of 9am and 5pm.
City officials requested the studio be shut down, but Kelly's attorney, Melvin L. Sims III, argued the violations did not create an emergency situation and they were instead ordered to perform repairs to bring the space up to code.
It's not Kelly's only headache regarding the space - he is also facing eviction after falling behind in his rent payments. The 52-year-old owes around $174,000 (£134,800) to his landlords in rent and other costs. He was given until Monday, January 21, to pay up, or a signed eviction notice would come into effect. It is unclear if he has met the financial obligations.
