NEW YORK – R. Kelly is unlikely to take the witness stand at his sex-trafficking trial, a lawyer for the R&B singer told a judge on Tuesday.
The remark by attorney Deveraux Cannick, made with the jury out the courtroom, came as the defense wound down its case at the trial in federal court in New York City.
Kelly’s potential appearance as a witness has been an unlikely event. U.S. District judge Ann Donnelly declared Tuesday that Kelly had plenty of time to reconsider his decision before closing arguments. He merely nodded his head.
The closing arguments by the prosecution could begin Wednesday afternoon.
R. Kelly trial:Prosecution rests after weeks of testimony
Kelly, 54, has repeatedly denied accusations that behind the scenes of a 30-year career highlighted by his 1996 megahit “I Believe I Can Fly,” he was a sexual predator who groomed and exploited his young admirers. His lawyers portray the accusers as a group of people who want to profit from his fame.
John Holder, an accountant from Massachusetts, testified on Tuesday for Kelly’s defense that he never tortured his accusers. Holder described seeing Kelly carrying around a backpack full of cash – proceeds from concerts – to take the women and girls on shopping sprees.
Here’s everything that’s happened so far:R. Kelly’s sex-trafficking trial
