BREAKING: R Kelly Sentenced 30-year Prison Term For Sexual Abuse
R. Kelly, a US musician, was given a 30-year prison term for using his fame to further a plan to molest minors and women.
After a nearly three-hour hearing, Kelly was given his punishment and told to pay a $100,000 fine by U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly.
“Although sex was certainly a weapon that you used, this is not a case about sex. It’s a case about violence, cruelty, and control,” Judge Donnelly said.
Read More: R. Kelly Summer Of Reckoning: He May Spend Decades In New York Prison And Is To Stand Trial In Chicago
Kelly’s lawyer Jennifer Bonjean said they look forward to the appeal.
“30 years is like life for him,” she said. She also emphasized he is “not a predator.”
Seven of Kelly’s victims gave impact statements during the sentencing hearing.
“You made me do things that broke my spirit. I literally wished I would die because of how low you made me feel,” one woman told the Grammy-winning, multiplatinum-selling singer. “Do you remember that?”
The victims held hands while the sentence was read and Kelly had no apparent reaction.
