UPDATE APRIL 07, 2020 8:20 PM EST: R. Kelly’s request to be released amid coronavirus pandemic has been denied. According to Complex, Judge Ann M. Donnelly declined Kelly’s motion, citing not the singer has “not established compelling reasons warranting his release. At present, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the MCC in Chicago.”
Original Story: R. Kelly requests to be released from custody citing fears of contracting coronavirus.
The Chicago artist remains behind bars in his hometown, awaiting trial in multiple states for sexually violent offenses, racketeering, and bribery. According to Billboard, Kelly hopes to be released on bond as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread.
Attorney Steven Greenberg, legal counsel for R. Kelly says it’s “simply impossible” to practice social distancing while inside the Chicago Metropolitan Correctional Center. Billboard reports the motion shares that Kelly’s legal team has been blocked from entering the facility.
“No matter what steps they take the sanitation will be substandard, the risk of an internal pandemic at the MCC is great, and if one does get sick jail healthcare is notoriously substandard,” the motion reads
Billboard reports if released, R. Kelly will join Joycelyn Savage in a Chicago apartment complex under home incarceration guidelines.
R. Kelly is not the only disgraced artist currently behind bars hoping to get released in fear of COVID-19. Tekashi 6ix9ine hoped to serve the remainder of his sentence at home, citing his asthma as a risk factor. The Brooklyn rapper’s request has already been denied.
Currently, R. Kelly remains behind bars facing brand new charges from a New York federal indictment.
