Disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly has reportedly turned to former U.S. president Donald Trump in a bold move to secure a presidential pardon. The controversial request comes as the singer continues to serve a lengthy prison sentence for multiple sex crime convictions.
Highlights:
- R. Kelly has petitioned Donald Trump for a presidential pardon.
- He is currently serving a 30-year sentence for sex trafficking and racketeering.
- The plea has sparked intense debate among supporters and critics alike.
- Trump has not issued a public response to the request.
- R. Kelly’s legal team argues he was treated unfairly by the justice system.
Main Story:
In a surprising twist to his legal saga, R&B star R. Kelly is reportedly seeking a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. The move comes as Kelly, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, remains behind bars following his 2021 conviction on federal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
Kelly’s legal team has submitted a formal request to Trump, claiming that the artist’s trial was biased and marred by public opinion. They argue that the media and prosecution painted a one-sided picture, denying him a fair chance to defend himself.
News of the pardon request has drawn mixed reactions online. While some longtime fans still support the singer and believe he was targeted unfairly, others see the plea as an attempt to escape accountability for decades of abuse.
So far, Trump has not issued a comment on the matter. Known for granting controversial pardons during his presidency — including to political allies and celebrities — it’s unclear whether he will act on Kelly’s appeal, especially as he eyes a return to the White House.
R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of leading a criminal enterprise that recruited women and underage girls for sex. His conviction marked a major victory for the #MeToo movement, which had long called for accountability in the entertainment industry.
Whether or not Trump answers the call, R. Kelly’s latest move highlights just how far some will go in pursuit of redemption — or release.
