R. Kelly’s Music Publisher Forced to Pay $520k in Legal Fees as Singer’s Sex Trafficking Case Takes a Twist
R&B singer R. Kelly’s ongoing legal battle continues to make headlines as his music publisher is now being forced to pay $520,000 in legal fees associated with his federal sex trafficking case. The disgraced singer, who was recently found guilty and sentenced to 30 years in prison, has been ordered by a federal judge to turn over songwriting royalties to cover these expenses.
US District Judge Ann Donnelly signed a writ of garnishment, compelling Universal Music Group (UMG) to deliver Kelly’s outstanding sum of $520,549 to Brooklyn federal prosecutors. This decision came after UMG disclosed that they were holding $567,444 in publishing royalties, which prosecutors deemed enough to cover the legal fees.
In response to this latest development, Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, who is currently appealing his case, expressed confidence in the appeal process. She stated, We maintain that Mr. Kelly’s convictions and the restitution orders were erroneous and the Second Circuit [of the US Court of Appeals] will have the final word on it… I can promise that when the Second Circuit reverses Mr. Kelly’s convictions, we will seek the return of every cent that has been wrongfully taken from him.
This is not the first time Kelly has been compelled to pay restitution. In September 2022, he was ordered to forfeit nearly $28,000 from his inmate account to cover unpaid criminal fines. Additionally, in February, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for federal child sex crimes in Illinois, to be served concurrently with his existing 30-year sentence. This sentence was also paired with over $42,000 in restitution, which could potentially be taken from the remaining royalties held by UMG or Sony, his former label.
With each new legal ruling, the case against R. Kelly takes unexpected twists and turns. As his attorney continues to appeal the convictions, it remains to be seen how the courts will ultimately decide on his guilt and the restitution amounts. Nonetheless, the music industry and Kelly’s fans are closely following these developments, eager to see how his current situation will unfold.
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