R. Kelly
Kelly has again been arrested, this time over unpaid child support payments.
The 52-year-old R&B singer was taken into custody after Wednesday’s hearing for failing to pay his ex-wife, Andrea Kelly, more than $161,000 in back child support by today’s court mandated deadline. The Kellys finalised their divorce in 2009 after 13 years of marriage. They share three children: 20-year-old Joann, otherwise known as Buku Abi; Jay, 18; and Robert Jr., who is 16.
According to Chicago Sun-Times reporter Sam Charles, Kelly will have to pay $161,663 to be released from jail. Kelly came to court purportedly prepared to set up a payment plan.
Kelly’s publicist says Kelly was ready to pay 50-60K today and set up a payment plan. He expected to leave court free.
Yahoo Entertainment reached out to Kelly’s attorney for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Kelly’s arrest comes nearly two weeks after he was charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault involving four alleged victims. Prosecutors say three of the four women were underage during the incidents stemming from 1998 to 2010. If convicted, Kelly faces a maximum of three to seven years in prison on each charge. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Grammy-winning musician had trouble posting the $1 million bail (or at least the $100,000 that was required for his release) and remained in jail for three nights. Kelly’s attorney said the singer’s finances were a mess, citing “mismanagement,” “hangers-on” and “bad deals” as some of the reasons Kelly “really doesn’t have any money at this point.” Kelly’s “friend,” Valencia Love, wound up posting his bail.
Kelly has already spent Wednesday in headlines after his intense interview with Gayle King aired on CBS This Morning, during which he denied ever having sex with minors or holding women against their will. Instead, Kelly claimed to be the victim, explaining that the numerous allegations against him have prevented him from having a relationship with his children. The entertainer has been accused of pedophilia and sexual misconduct allegations for over two decades and has repeatedly maintained his innocence
