R. Kelly to stand trial next year

The singer stands accused of child pornography and obstruction of justice.

R. Kelly will stand trial in the federal sex crimes case against him in Chicago next year. The 52-year-old has been charged with allegedly sexually abusing minors and obstruction of justice. At a hearing on Wednesday (4 September), US District Judge Harry D. Leinenweber set a date of 27 April, 2020 for Kelly's trial, according to the Associated Press. Leinenweber noted that the date could be rearranged as the disgraced R&B singer faces similar court cases in three other judicial districts in America. Kelly was present for the hearing on Wednesday, in an orange prison uniform. He is currently being detained without bond, having been arrested in June on a 13-count federal indictment. Supporters were sighted outside the building, while Kelly's attorney, Steve Greenberg, told the hearing that he and his legal team are unsure if they can mount a defence for four trials by next April. The trial, when it does commence, is expected to last for three weeks.