R. Kelly’s 2nd Motion For Release Denied Despite Inmates Being Diagnosed W/ COVID-19

R. Kelly

R. Kelly’s 2nd Motion For Release Denied Despite Inmates Being Diagnosed w/ COVID-19

Disgraced singer Robert Sylvester Kelly (better known as, R. Kelly) is still trapped in Chicago’s Metropolitan Correctional Center, and will, seemingly, remain so. Thursday, (April 16), R. Kelly and his legal team filed a second motion for him to be released from jail amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to reports. The new filing details that six inmates and seven staff members at MCC have tested positive for COVID-19 – and R. Kelly and company allege that there are far more cases than being reported.

R. Kelly

Michael Leonard – one of the singer’s lawyers – described the facility he’s being held in as a chaotic scene:

“Inmates are reportedly banging on doors, walls, and windows begging for help. The only thing the MCC has done is lock things down, making the situation feel more like solitary confinement and possibly, because of the nature of this virus, locking in healthy inmates with those who may already have the virus but who may not yet be symptomatic.”

The motion also noted that the “I Believe I Can Fly” crooner is under a lot of stress in response to the pandemic, but Judge Ann M. Donnelly refused to grant him bond for a second time. Again, R. Kelly is deemed a flight risk and the judge anticipates witness tampering if he’s released. In his first motion earlier this month, Judge Donnelly responded:

“The defendant is currently in custody because of the risks that he will flee or attempt to obstruct, threaten or intimidate prospective witnesses. The defendant has not explained how those risks have changed…he does not explain how his surgical history places him at a higher risk of severe illness.”

As for a hearing for R. Kelly’s racketeering case in New York, his July trial has been postponed until September due to the virus.

Do you think R. Kelly should be granted early release? Tell us in the comments.

Written by Miata Shanay