In a significant ruling on April 7, 2025, R. Kelly’s attempt to overturn his sex trafficking and racketeering convictions was rejected by a federal appeals court. The court upheld the majority of the 2021 verdict against the disgraced R&B singer, affirming his conviction on nine counts, including racketeering and multiple violations of the Mann Act. This decision underscores the court’s determination that prosecutors provided sufficient evidence that Kelly exploited his celebrity status to manipulate and sexually abuse underage girls and young women over a span of more than two decades.
Kelly’s legal team had presented several arguments in their appeal, claiming that the evidence was inadequate, that jurors were biased, and that his trial attorneys had failed him during jury selection. Additionally, he contended that the federal charges were based on unconstitutional interpretations of state laws. However, the three-judge panel dismissed all these claims, stating there was no credible evidence of juror misconduct or ineffective counsel.
Despite the overwhelming rejection of his appeal, Kelly did achieve a minor legal victory regarding the restitution awarded to a victim known as Jane, who contracted herpes from him. The appeals court ruled that the calculation of Jane’s restitution was problematic. Initially, the trial court had based her restitution on the cost of the brand-name herpes medication Valtrex, which totaled approximately $270,466.18 over her lifetime. However, Judge Richard Sullivan dissented, arguing that the court should have considered the cost of the generic version, valacyclovir, which is significantly cheaper at around $9,829.02 over a lifetime.
Judge Sullivan expressed concern that the higher restitution amount could lead to an unjust “windfall” for Jane if she opted for the more expensive drug. He recommended that the restitution award be vacated and sent back to the district court for reconsideration based on the generic price.
The original trial had included harrowing testimonies from multiple victims, detailing the abuse and control exerted by Kelly and his entourage. Victims described being isolated, subjected to strict rules, and manipulated into compliance, often while being transported to events or concerts.
As of now, R. Kelly remains incarcerated, serving a 30-year sentence following his 2021 conviction in New York. While the court’s ruling has left his convictions intact, the issue of restitution for Jane may lead to further legal proceedings. This latest development highlights the ongoing legal challenges facing Kelly as he continues to navigate the ramifications of his actions and the legal consequences that followed.
