R Kelly denied jail release despite coronavirus threat

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: April 22 2020 | 22:15

Last updated: April 23 2020 | 18:41

A judge denies R Kelly's request to be released from jail due to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

R Kelly has had a second request to be released from jail due to the coronavirus pandemic rejected by a federal judge.

The 53-year-old has been incarcerated at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago since last July as he awaits trial for charges including sexual abuse, child pornography and kidnapping.

Six inmates at Kelly's jail have now tested positive for COVID-19, including one on the same floor as him, and his lawyers have argued that his medical history means that he should be released for his own safety.

Judge Ann Donnelly rejected an initial request for his release on April 6 and has now denied the second request, arguing that Kelly remains a flight risk and could use the opportunity to intimidate witnesses.

The judge went on to declare that the 'Ignition' singer "poses a danger to the community" and cannot be released just because of the coronavirus threat.

Kelly's arrest came months after the release of documentary Surviving R Kelly, which saw multiple women accuse him of sexual abuse.