It is reported that Illinois authorities refused the release of the 'I Believe I Can Fly' singer until his case is resolved although he is expected to attend a court appearance in the Upper Midwest state.

• Sep 13, 2019

AceShowbiz - R. Kelly's legal problems are piling up - a formal bench warrant has been issued for his arrest in Minnesota after he missed a hearing he couldn't attend.

The "I Believe I Can Fly" singer is currently locked up in Illinois and authorities there refused his release to attend a court appearance in Minnesota, surrounding claims he offered a 17-year-old girl $200 (£162) to strip for him and dance in 2001.

Kelly is currently behind bars in Chicago on sexual abuse and other charges, while he also faces federal and state charges in New York.

Prosecutor Judith Cole told Judge Jay Quam during Thursday's (September 12) brief hearing in Minneapolis that federal authorities in Illinois weren't willing "to give us access to him" until his case there is resolved.

The bench warrant was then issued as a formality.

Kelly's lawyer Steve Greenberg has called the Minnesota charges "beyond absurd."