ury selection got underway Monday at R. Kelly's federal trial in his hometown of Chicago, where the R&B singer faces charges that he rigged his 2008 state child pornography trial by threatening and paying off a girl who he allegedly filmed himself having sex with when he was about 30 and she was no older than 14.
Jurors acquitted Kelly on all charges in that 2008 trial, some explaining later that they felt they had no choice because the girl did not testify. The woman, now in her 30s and referred to in filings only as "Minor 1," will be the government's star witness in the upcoming federal trial.
Kelly, 55, goes into this trial in Chicago federal court having already been sentenced by a New York federal judge to a 30-year prison term for a 2021 conviction on charges he used his fame to sexually abuse other young fans.
Kelly, wearing a light grey suit and a tie, sat next to his lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, as court began. Bonjean introduced herself, Kelly and other lawyers representing him. Kelly wore a mask, as did everyone in court due to coronavirus precautions.
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Before at least two dozen potential jurors were brought in, the judge said he hoped to select 12 jurors and six alternates Monday and Tuesday. Once a jury is chosen, the panel will hear opening statements from prosecutors and the defence before the first witness is called.
Before potential jurors were brought in, Bonjean asked the judge to exclude anyone who watched the documentary Surviving R. Kelly that revisited old allegations against Kelly and spotlighted new ones.
An estimated 12.8 million people watched the six-part series that premiered in January 2019.
The judge denied that motion but said the jurors would be questioned about the program.
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Kelly, who rose from poverty on Chicago's South Side to become a star singer, songwriter and producer, faces multiple charges at the federal trial. They include four counts of enticement of minors for sex — one each for four other accusers. They, too, are slated to testify.
Convictions in Chicago could add decades to Kelly's New York sentence, which he is appealing. With the New York sentence alone, Kelly will be about 80 before qualifying for early release.