In a significant legal development in 2023, R. Kelly’s conviction on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges was upheld by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on February 12. The court affirmed the 30-year prison sentence originally imposed on the disgraced R&B singer. In response, Kelly’s attorney stated that the ruling is “unprecedented” and expressed optimism that the Supreme Court will consider a further appeal.
This ruling pertains specifically to Kelly’s New York federal case, while he is also facing a separate conviction in a Chicago federal court for producing child pornography and enticing minors for sex. The Supreme Court previously declined to hear an appeal regarding his 20-year sentence in that matter.
