Serious concerns, smart move – or both? US musician R. Kelly (52) has been in custody since July last year. Now, according to a report by the US website "USA Today", Kelly's lawyers are urging the star to be released from prison. The reason: Due to the insufficient measures in prison to contain the coronavirus, the life of the fallen star is in danger.
Kelly's legal representation has already submitted this fear, along with a request for release from prison, to the competent court. Among other things, the report says that soaps and disinfectants are in short supply in Chicago prison, where Kelly is awaiting trial. In addition, because of the double cells, it is impossible to maintain the mutual distance to other people that is required.
Will he be released on bail?
"The health risk to Mr. Kelly, given his age and existing health problems, makes his bail release inevitable," the letter said. The responsible public prosecutor's office in Chicago has not yet commented on this request, it is said.
In April and May 2020, R. Kelly is to be put on trial. In addition to multiple rapes, he is accused of sex with minors and child pornography. He is also said to have bribed an official in 1994 in order to initiate the marriage to the then underage singer Aaliyah (1979-2001, "The Queen of the Damned") with a fake ID. The singer denies all allegations and pleads "not guilty" in court proceedings.