R. Kelly’s Trial Started Today, Judge Warns Attendees Not To Share What Takes Place With Outsiders: Don’t Twitter About It

R. Kelly

R. Kelly’s Trial Starts Today, Judge Warns Attendees Not To Share What Takes Place With Outsiders: Don’t Twitter About It

R. Kelly’s long-awaited trial kicked off today (August 18th). According to reports, in her opening statement against the R&B singer, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Cruz Melendez said,

“This case is about a predator. That predator is the defendant.”

She also gave detail into the stories of the 6 complaining witnesses, including the late singer Aaliyah. In addition to that, the Assistant U.S. Attorney said that during the trial clinical psychologists and DNA experts will testify against the ‘Ignition’ singer. She added that prosecutors have an ample amount of evidence that proves R. Kelly’s wrongdoings. This includes DNA from an alleged T-shirt belonging to the singer, birth certificates, texts, phone records, travel records, prescription records, search warrants and video/audio recordings of accusers.

R. Kelly

As previously reported, earlier this month R. Kelly’s legal team requested that the court throw out charges that he knowingly exposed previous sexual partners to an STD because herpes doesn’t count as a sexually transmitted disease. However, reports claim that prior to opening statements, U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly denied the last-minute motion.

The high-profile trial is closed to the public. According to reports, the judge issued a warning to everyone inside the courtroom about sharing information from the case with outsiders. She said,

“Don’t Twitter about it.”

 R. Kelly is facing multiple charges including; one count of racketeering with 14 underlying acts, kidnapping, forced labor and sex trafficking, according to reports. He’s also looking at 8 counts of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits sex trafficking across state lines. The defense team for the 54-year-old entertainer will also deliver its opening statement today.

What are your thoughts on this entire situation? Tell us below. 

(VIA)