The trial of fallen American R&B star R. Kelly, sued in multiple cases for multiple sexual abuse, began Monday with jury selection in federal court in Brooklyn.
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The 54-year-old singer, whose actions had long been exposed, but who was acquitted in 2008 during a child pornography trial, was present in the courtroom, stoic in a navy blue suit.
In pre-trial detention in a federal prison in Brooklyn, the interpreter of “I believe I can fly”, winner of three Grammy Awards in 1998 with this tube, must in particular be tried for extortion, sexual exploitation of minors, kidnapping, corruption and forced labor, from 1994 to 2018. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to the indictment, R. Kelly ran a network that recruited and prepared young girls to have sex with him, including locking them in their hotel rooms when he was on tour.
In court, the singer is accused of having abused six women, including minors, whose identity has not been revealed.
During the jury selection (twelve people in total, plus six alternates), still underway at midday, three potential jurors said they were unable to presume the innocence of R. Kelly and were challenged. Steps will be taken to ensure the anonymity of jurors, who will be partially isolated during the trial, to protect them from outside influences.
After this selection, the trial must get to the heart of the matter on August 18, with the first testimonies.
In total, the singer is indicted in four proceedings in three different states (Illinois, New York, Minnesota).
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