The explicit video, which was turned over to authorities by disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti, allegedly features the 'I Believe I Can Fly' hitmaker forcing himself on a 14-year-old.
- June 27, 2019
AceShowbiz - An Illinois judge has ordered a sex tape reportedly featuring R. Kelly forcing himself on a minor to be sealed from public view.
The "I Believe I Can Fly" hitmaker returned to a Chicago courtroom on Wednesday morning (June 26) to face a string of aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges involving four victims, three of whom were underage at the time of the alleged encounters.
During the hearing, prosecutors presented a key piece of evidence in the case - a video recording said to capture Kelly having sex with a 14-year-old two decades ago.
The footage was turned over to authorities earlier this year by disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti, who is representing two of the singer's alleged victims, and after viewing the tape, Cook County Judge Lawrence Flood ordered both parties to ensure the explicit film remains under wraps.
The judge set the next status hearing for 15 August, with Kelly expected to stand trial in early 2020.
The R&B singer previously pleaded not guilty to all 10 counts, before he was hit with 11 separate felony charges in May, relating to the sexual assault of a female between the ages of 13 and 16 in January 2010.
He has also denied those accusations.
Kelly was previously acquitted on child pornography charges in 2008.
