R Kelly sentenced to 30 years jail time on sex abuse charges

His victims called the abuse "deplorable and inexplicable".

R Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by a federal court.

The singer, 55, was handed the term in New York for masterminding a scheme to entice and sexually exploit young aspiring singers and underage children.

Former '90s superstar Kelly was branded "the pied piper of R and B" at the US District Court in the city as he was faced with several of his victims who detailed his "deplorable and inexplicable" abuse during victim impact sentences ahead of his sentencing.

Kelly's sentencing follows his conviction last year by a jury on multiple counts of racketeering, relating to bribery and forced labour.

The musician, real name Robert Sylvester Kelly, was also found to have violated anti-sex trafficking law, the Mann Act.

Sentencing, Judge Ann Donnelly said Kelly had used his "minions" to "lure young fans into your orbit".

The singer, who denied all charges, was found guilty on all nine counts against him after a six-week trial in Brooklyn.

Dressed in a grey prison-issue uniform, Kelly did not appear to react as his sentence was passed.

Seven women gave victim statements before the sentence, who detailed Kelly's "God-like complex" and said he used his "fame and power" to entice his prey.

A woman with the pseudonym Angela told him: "The pied piper of R and B, both in music and in technique and in approach.

"Success and love... you presented these glittering gems as if they were gold. With every addition of a new victim you grew in wickedness, cockiness, diminishing any form of humanity or self-awareness, which soon became the breeding ground for your God-like complex.

"You were doing, saying and encouraging despicable things that no one should be doing.

There was an uncomfortable moment when a woman known only as Jane Doe No 2 stopped her statement as Kelly was talking with his lawyer, telling him she "did not want to interrupt (Kelly's) conversation".

She added: "You are an abuser, you are shameless, you are disgusting."

Kelly, known for hits including 'Bump N' Grind' and 'I Believe I Can Fly' has been detained at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn since his conviction.

Prosecutors had been seeking 25 years behind bars for Kelly in order to "protect the public" from the musician, while his defence asked for 10 or less.

They argued anything beyond 10 years in jail for his offences would be indefensible and claimed the prosecution's desire to see the singer locked up for 25 years was "tantamount to a life sentence".

Bang Showbiz

Where to find help and support:

  • Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

  • Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

  • Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

  • Healthline – 0800 611 116

  • Shine – 0508 744 633 confidential domestic abuse helpline

  • Women's Refuge Crisisline – 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) (for women living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship or family)

  • Shakti Crisis Line – 0800 742 584 (for migrant or refugee women living with family violence)

  • Rape Crisis – 0800 883 300 (for support after rape or sexual assault)