R. Kelly Trial Uncovers Hunt For His Sex Tapes
The latest in the R. Kelly trial finds the R&B singer in another situation that could pull him down further. On August 23, Charles Freeman appeared at the Everett M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago - Kelly’s hometown - to testify against him.
Author:Camilo WoodReviewer:Dexter CookeAug 25, 202210.5K Shares662.2K Views
The latest in the R. Kelly trialfinds the R&B singer in another situation that could pull him down further.
On August 23, Charles Freeman appeared at the Everett M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago - Kelly’s hometown - to testify against him.
In this Chicago trial, Kelly faces various federal charges.
One of them, reported Sky News, was obstruction of justice.
This particular charge against Kelly is connected to the child pornography charges filed against him by the state back in 2008.
In that trial, he got acquitted.
According to ABC News, Kelly allegedly paid his supposed female victim - a minor - not to testify.
The victim’s no-show at the court compelled the jurors to acquit him.
Now on the eight day of this new R. Kelly trial in Chicago, Freeman made a major revelation in relation to his 2008 trial.
R. Kelly's defense grills man who said he was sent to retrieve sex tapes
R. Kelly As A Sexual Predator
Based on a report by CBS Chicago, Charles Freeman used to work for R. Kelly during the ‘90s.
He handled merchandising for the R&B superstar’s concert tours back then.
From Kansas City, Freeman is now in Chicago for the recent R. Kelly trial.
So, last Tuesday, he told the court that the singer asked him to retrieve some videotapes he said were stolen from him.
According to Rolling Stone, sometime in 2001, Kelly called Freeman about the tapes and what he was going to do.
Derrel McDavid, Kelly’s former manager, also contacted him regarding Kelly’s request.
Freeman said that at that time, he had no idea what those video tapes were.
He added, though, that during their conversation, McDavid referred to one video tape as “performance tape.”
Freeman eventually agreed to do the task and signed a contract in August 2001.
The contract stated that he would receive $100,000 upon the successful retrieval of the video tape/performance tape.
It was the first retrieval task he did for R. Kelly.
The second one happened, as Rolling Stone mentioned in its report, “either late 2003 or early 2004.”
That was when McDavid reached out to him once more for another video tape to be recovered.
Freeman told the court at the Chicago R. Kelly trial that the second video tape was of sexual nature.
It shows Kelly performing sexual acts with two girls believed to be under 18.
One of them was Lisa Van Allen, Kelly’s former girlfriend.
Allen turned 40 in 2021.
As for the other girl, she was the one who didn’t testify in the 2018 R. Kelly trial.
She is now 37.
In the ongoing Chicago trial, that girl confirmed to the court that she was the one in the video tape with Kelly and Allen.
She said she was 14 years old when it was recorded.
R. Kelly As A Singer
Robert Sylvester Kelly, who turned 55 this year, won over 100 awards.
Dozens of them were from the Billboard Music Award.
Three were from the Grammys, courtesy of his 1998 single, I Believe I Can Fly.
At the 40th Annual Grammy Awards in February 1998, that song he wrote made him bagged the:
- Best R&B Song
- Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
- Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media
The song is included in the soundtrack of the top-grossing film Space Jam (1996)starring NBAlegend Michael Jordan.
In 1991, when he was 23-24, Jive Record took him in as one of its recording artists.
Kelly wrote and composed the 1995 Michael Jackson (1958-2009) hit You Are Not Alone.
He has so far released more than 20 albums.
As a singer, songwriter, and record producer, he made tons of money.
At one point, according to Fox Business, Kelly’s net worth nearly reached $100 million.
The R. Kelly trials involved court settlements and alleged bribes that would make him cough out hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Per Celebrity Net Worth, the disgraced singer’s fortune is a negative $2 million as of 2022.
R. Kelly As The Worst Sexual Predator
There was a six-week R. Kelly trial in Brooklyn last year.
The outcome saw the award-winning singer-songwriter behind bars.
- racketeering
- multiple predicate acts
- illegal sex with minors
- sexual exploitation of minors
- bribery
- coercion
- forced labor
Addressing the press outside the Brooklyn courthouse, Acting U.S. Attorney Jacqueline said, per Eyewitness News ABC7NY:
“„Today’s guilty verdict forever brands R. Kelly as a predator, who used his fame and fortune to prey on the young . . . for his own sexual gratification.
Attorney Gloria Allred, who represented three of Kelly’s victims, also made a public statement.
Then this 2014 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from The National Trial Lawyers added:
“„Of all the predators . . . Mr. Kelly is the worst.
Will the result of the Chicago R. Kelly trial further validate Atty. Allred’s condemnation?
Camilo Wood
Author
Camilo Wood has over two decades of experience as a writer and journalist, specializing in finance and economics. With a degree in Economics and a background in financial research and analysis, Camilo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his writing.
Throughout his career, Camilo has contributed to numerous publications, covering a wide range of topics such as global economic trends, investment strategies, and market analysis. His articles are recognized for their insightful analysis and clear explanations, making complex financial concepts accessible to readers.
Camilo's experience includes working in roles related to financial reporting, analysis, and commentary, allowing him to provide readers with accurate and trustworthy information. His dedication to journalistic integrity and commitment to delivering high-quality content make him a trusted voice in the fields of finance and journalism.
Dexter Cooke
Reviewer
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles