US musician R. Kelly was found guilty on all nine counts in the abuse trial by a jury on Monday in New York. He had been charged with extortion in connection with the sexual exploitation of children, kidnapping, forced labor and other charges. Although the sentence has not yet been sentenced, the reactions of the victims and other participants and observers in the trial were not long in coming.
We got justice today
Prosecutor Jerhonda Johnson Pace celebrated the news of the verdict on her Instagram page Monday with two words on a black background: "Verdict? Guilty."
Singer Sparkle, whose real name is Stephanie Edwards, had gone public with allegations that R. Kelly had sexually abused her underage niece. Edwards said she felt "validated" because she was one of the first to go public with the allegations against the singer.
Another woman on the witness stand, identified only as Sonja, told the Daily Beast she was "happy with the verdict and grateful that the jury listened to us." "I hid from Robert Kelly [R. Kelly's birth name, ed.] out of fear because he threatened me, now I'm ready to live my life free of fear and start the healing process," Sonja said.
"We got justice today," Kitti Jones, a former Dallas radio DJ who gave up her career to be with Kelly, told the portal. "I wouldn't say I've finished now because in the end neither of us will get our time back. But that's a small win."
Lawyers thank victims for their courage
Gerald Griggs, an attorney representing several of Kelly's accusers and their families, told the portal he was "happy and relieved" that the singer was finally paying for his crimes. Griggs' clients also include the parents of Joycelyn Savage, who still describes herself as one of Kelly's friends and was nowhere to be seen at the trial.
Gloria Allred, attorney for several of Kelly's accusers, also praised the verdict Monday in federal court in Brooklyn."R. Kelly thought he could get away with all of this, but he's not. Because although he thought he could control all of his victims, he was wrong," Allred said. "Thanks to their courage and the excellent work of federal officials and Justice has been served by prosecutors in this case," Allred added. "Let this be a message to other celebrities who are also using their fame to take advantage of their fans and others unfortunate enough to come into contact with them: They too must face serious consequences for their criminal behavior."
"Today's guilty verdict will forever brand R. Kelly as a predator who used his fame and fortune to abuse young, vulnerable and vulnerable people for his own sexual gain," prosecutor Jacquelyn Kasulis said, according to New York Times" after the announcement. The jury sent a "strong message" to men like R. Kelly sent: "No matter how long it takes, justice will get you."
Actress Mia Farrow tweeted: "Another monster will stay in prison."
R. Kelly faces ten years in prison
The prosecution had heard a total of 45 witnesses since the trial began in mid-August, including friends and family of the 54-year-old, as well as employees and long-time doctors. In her three-hour closing argument, prosecutor Elizabeth Geddes concluded that R. Kelly used "lies, manipulation, threats and physical abuse" to subdue his victims over the years. Geddes also spoke of an entire network that protected the musician and systematically recruited victims.
R. Kelly herself had refrained from making a statement. He denies all allegations and has pleaded not guilty. As the prosecutor announced on Monday, the jury found the singer guilty. Now he faces ten years in prison, and the singer has been in custody since 2019.
