In a pivotal moment during R. Kelly’s trial on child p0rn0 and obstruction of justice charges, a woman testified that the R&B singer s**ually abused her “hundreds” of times before she reached the age of 18.
Known as Jane, the now 37-year-old woman shared her traumatic experiences with the jurors, shedding light on the alleged abuse that began when she was just 15 years old.
Jane, who chose to use a pseudonym for the trial, recounted how she initially looked up to Kelly as an inspiration and mentor, even asking him to be her godfather when she was 13.
However, soon after, Kelly started making s**ual advances towards her.
At around 14, he touched her bre-sts and other parts of her body at a recording studio in Chicago.
It was around this time that he escalated the abuse, engaging in s**ual intercourse with her when she turned 15.
At the time, Kelly would have been approximately 30 years old.
When asked how many times they had s** before she turned 18, Jane responded quietly, “Uncountable times…
hundreds.”
Her testimony revealed the extent of the alleged abuse she endured at the hands of Kelly.
R. Kelly, already serving a 30-year prison sentence for federal charges related to s**ual abuse, is now facing trial in Chicago for additional federal charges.
One of the most serious accusations against him is conspiracy to obstruct justice by rigging a 2008 trial on state child p0rn0 charges, which involved a video purportedly depicting him and Jane engaging in s**ual acts when she was underage.
Prosecutors argue that Kelly paid off and threatened Jane to prevent her from testifying in the 2008 trial, ensuring his acquittal.
Now, Jane’s cooperation with prosecutors makes her a crucial witness in the current trial.
During the opening statements, prosecutor Jason Julien emphasized that the exploitation of vulnerable children remained a core issue in this trial, despite the fact that the accusers are now adults.
Jane’s testimony shed light on her upbringing in a musical family and her introduction to Kelly when she was in junior high school.
She explained that she joined a musical group at the age of 12 and was home-schooled due to her involvement in touring.
Jane’s demeanor shifted from tentative to composed as she continued her testimony, providing matter-of-fact answers to the prosecutor’s questions.
Prosecutors allege that Kelly filmed a video of Jane between 1998 and 2000 in a log cabin-themed room at his Chicago residence.
The video reportedly shows Jane referring to Kelly as “daddy.”
Federal prosecutors claim that over the years, Kelly and Jane engaged in s**ual acts hundreds of times in various locations such as his homes, recording studios, and tour buses.
Kelly, who rose from poverty in Chicago to become a successful singer, songwriter, and producer, was well aware that a conviction in 2008 would have dire consequences for his career.
Therefore, prosecutors argue that he conspired to manipulate the trial’s outcome.
According to prosecutors, Kelly advised Jane and her parents to leave Chicago, even funding their trips to the Bahamas and Cancun, Mexico.
Upon their return, Kelly allegedly attempted to isolate Jane by constantly relocating her to different hotels.
When summoned before a state grand jury investigating the video, Jane, her father, and mother denied her involvement.
In 2008, when Kelly was acquitted on all child p0rn0 charges, tears streamed down his face.
Some jurors later expressed doubts about the identity of the female in the video, as claimed by state prosecutors.
Prior to the 2008 trial, Kelly carried a duffle bag filled with s** tapes wherever he went.
However, some of these tapes went missing.
In the early 2000s, bootleg copies of certain videos began circulating throughout the United States.
During that time, Jane’s aunt showed her parents a video allegedly depicting their daughter engaged in s**ual acts with Kelly.
When confronted, Kelly issued a veiled threat, saying, “You’re with me or against me.”
Kelly, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, has faced numerous complaints and allegations regarding his s**ual behavior for decades.
The spotlight on these allegations intensified after the #MeToo movement and the release of the documentary series “Surviving R. Kelly” in 2019.
In addition to the charges related to Jane, Kelly also faces four counts of enticing minors for s**, with four other accusers expected to testify.
Prosecutors have indicated that they possess at least three videos showing Kelly engaging in s**ual acts with underage girls.
Derrel McDavid and Milton Brown, two individuals associated with Kelly, are co-defendants in this trial.
McDavid is accused of aiding Kelly in manipulating the 2008 trial, while Brown faces charges of receiving child pornography.
Both McDavid and Brown have denied any involvement in criminal activities.
