In the latest update in the Robert Kelly trial for sex trafficking, the singer won’t take the stand.
The defense wrapped up today (September 22). An article points out a prosecutor told jurors they will “prove” the “Bump an’ Grind” singer “had for years commanded close associates to help him target, groom, and exploit girls, boys, and young women for his [sexual gratification.]”
The New York Times reports 45 witnesses testified. The recent notable ones revealed more information on his relationship with Aaliyah. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Geddes said R. Kelly got away with sexual abuse by “surrounding himself with enablers.” WDSU reports she said, “The defendant set rules, lots of them, and he demanded complete obedience.”
“That meant ‘for many years what happened in the defendant’s world stayed in the defendant’s world,’ she continued. “But no longer.”
It also says some witnesses said they never saw R. Kelly abuse anyone, and one said he hopes the singer beats the charges. Dozens of other witnesses support the allegations.