R. Kelly recently asked a judge to free him from federal jail in Chicago, where he awaits trial on child pornography and other charges, due to the new coronavirus pandemic, but the request has been rejected.
A court filing by his lawyers claimed the spread of the new coronavirus behind bars puts Kelly’s life at risk while he is being held at the Chicago Metropolitan Correctional Center.
On March 26, his lawyers asked that the 53-year-old singer be released, citing his age and a recent surgery as risk factors.
U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly denied the motion and said Kelly remains a flight risk. “The defendant is currently in custody because of the risks that he will flee or attempt to obstruct, threaten or intimidate prospective