Just In: R. Kelly’s trial postponed again due to COVID-19

R. Kelly’s trial postponed due to COVID-19, R. Kelly’s federal sexual abuse trial in New York has been

rescheduled again, with lawyers now eyeing an

August 9 trial date. This is the fourth time the “I Believe I Can Fly” artist’s court date was postponed.

His new trial date has now been set for August 9, says Brooklyn federal Judge Ann Donnelly.

Donnelly announced during a Tuesday hearing, “We are scheduled for an April trial date but I suspect it’s not

going to come as a surprise that that is not a date that is going to work given the current conditions.”

Read Also: R Kelly’s manager Donnell Russell has been arrested

According to Page Six, the continuous postponements are because of the amount of traveling witnesses

will have to undergo to attend trial in New York. Judge Donnelly noted that witnesses would be required to

take COVID-19 tests and, should they travel out of state, quarantine. The judge also pointed out that jury

members will have to risk exposing themselves to the virus by taking public transportation to the courthouse.

Lastly, Kelly himself would have to be transferred to a local prison, which Donnelly was not willing to sign off

on because of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks affecting inmates.

She hopes that, by August, vaccinations will be well underway and those participating in the federal trial will

be safer because of it.

R. Kelly, real name Robert Kelly, faces state and federal charges for sex-trafficking, racketeering, coercion,

and other charges related to the abuse and exploitation of six women over the course of 25 years.

He has since pleaded not guilty.

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