CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses sexual assault
After decades of growing accusations of sexual assault against him, R Kelly has now been charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse for crimes allegedly committed between 1998 and 2010.
52-year-old Kelly was charged in Illinois with ten counts of aggravated sexual assault, involving four different victims.
Chicago prosecutor Kimberly Foxx said that Kelly will face court over the weekend. The Chicago Sun Times reports that at least three of the victims were minors – aged between 13 and 16.
If Kelly ends up being convicted on all 10 counts, he could face up to 70 years in prison meaning he would spend the rest of his life behind bars.
This is just the latest in a decades-long saga, with the allegations against Kelly really gaining traction late last with the release of the wildly successful documentary ‘Surviving R Kelly.’
Last week, footage was obtained by Chicago prosecutors that allegedly showed Kelly sexually assaulting an underage girl.
Kelly has maintained his innocence and, somewhat unsuccessfully, tried to continue touring. He announced an Australian tour recently – with no dates or cities – but deleted the announcement the following day.
If you need assistance, 1800 RESPECT – the National Sexual Assault, Domestic
and Family Violence Counselling Service — can be reached on 1800 737 732.
For help or information regarding mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
