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NEW YORK (AP) – Prosecutors came closer to closing their case in the R. Kelly Trial of Sex Trafficking on Friday and called two final witnesses to further substantiate allegations that he had young victims in episodes from the 1990s on unwanted Sex prepared.
One witness was a former R&B singer’s assistant who echoed the testimony of other former staff members describing his mercury behavior and the control he wore on everyone around him.
The other was an abusive relationship expert who is due to return to the stand for cross-examination on Monday before the government rests.
The expert, psychologist Dawn Hughes, testified about studies showing that many perpetrators systematically isolate, humiliate, subjugate and spy on their victims – all tactics allegedly used by Kelly. In general, it’s not uncommon for powerful people like Kelly to be surrounded by subordinates who “knew about it and did nothing,” said Hughes.
The defense was expected to begin presenting their case later Monday, with closing arguments possible before the end of the week at a trial in New York City that began August 18.
The 54-year-old defendant, born Robert Sylvester Kelly, has pleaded not guilty of extortion charges, which include running a Chicago-based company with managers, bodyguards and other employees who helped him target his victims recruit and transport. This alleged trip violated the Mann Act, which makes it illegal to transport people across state lines for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
The Grammy-winning artist has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming the women were groupies who wanted to exploit his fame and fortune until the #MeToo movement turned them against him.
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