Lawyers for the 'I Believe I Can Fly' singer have previously argued that a jail quarantine had robbed them of the chance to meet their incarcerated client, hampering their preparation for his defense.
- Jul 9, 2021
AceShowbiz - R. Kelly has been granted a trial delay after his new lawyers argued a jail quarantine had robbed them of the chance to meet their incarcerated client.
As a result, jury selection will go ahead on August 9, as planned, but opening statements will now begin nine days later.
The delay gives the "I Believe I Can Fly" singer's legal team a little more time to prepare his defence for the sex trafficking trial in New York City.
Kelly dumped his last attorneys last month (June 2021), just before he was quarantined for 14 days in a Brooklyn federal jail.
Steve Greenberg explained his and Michael Leonard's decision to quit in a letter to the judge. "While we recognize that this request comes close to trial - and we are ready to proceed to trial as scheduled in August - our reasons for withdrawal are significant and it is impossible, in our belief, for us to be able to continue to properly represent Mr. Kelly under the current circumstances," he noted. "The government was advised of our position and reasons in a phone call."
His new lawyers also asked lawmakers to release Kelly on bail, so he could better assist in his defence, but the judge denied the request on Thursday, July 8. "You're going to have full access to Mr. Kelly," she said.
The R&B singer is charged with leading a sex ring. Federal prosecutors claim the group selected victims at concerts and parties and arranged for them to travel across state lines to see Kelly.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He also has pleaded not guilty to sex-related charges in Illinois and Minnesota.
