R. KELLY: Trial Entered Third Week

The R. Kelly trial entered its third week. It’s expected to continue through mid-September.

Two accusers took the witness stand on Monday. Both said they were underage when they met R. Kelly. Jurors heard for the first time from a male victim. He was just 17-year-old when R. Kelly slipped his number to the teen at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Chicago. R. Kelly promised “fame” in exchange for sex. He also requested that the kid bring a 16-year-old buddy to R. Kelly parties. He encouraged the boys to “touch each other” while R. Kelly watched.

A woman claimed she was raped just days after R. Kelly (illegally) married the singer Aaliyah, who was just 15 years old. This victim said that R. Kelly invited her backstage after a concert. She informed him that she was only 17 years old. That did not deter him.

She considered reporting the rape to police. However, she told the jury, (quote) “I didn’t even know if they would believe me. I didn’t want to be victim-shamed.” (New York Times)