R. Kelly Sexual Abuse Trial Gets Underway In New York

The trial against R. Kelly has begun in Brooklyn, New York, opening with powerful testimony from an alleged victim.

The 54-year-old R&B singer is facing charges of sexual abuse, racketeering and bribery. If convicted, Kelly could face decades to life in prison.

According to CNN, the first victim to testify was 28-year-old Jehonda Johnson Pace, who accuses Kelly of sexually abusing her at the age of 16.

Pace stated that she had once been a fan of Kelly’s and that he had invited her to his Chicago home in 2009. She admitted to telling Kelly she was 19 but says that on the evening they first had sex, she had told him her real age.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Kelly is alleged to have responded. He then supposedly instructed her to “tell everyone she was 19 and to act 21”.

Pace says that Kelly then had her perform oral sex before taking her virginity.

The now mother-of-four says the pair maintained a sexual relationship for the next six months, with Kelly becoming increasingly abusive.

“He didn’t want me in contact with anyone but him.” Said Pace. “We were not able to leave out of the rooms. It was part of the rules. Rob’s rules.” She explained, referencing Kelly’s real name.

According to Pace, the relationship ended after Kelly slapped and choked her, “until I passed out”. She added that Kelly spat at her when she woke and had her perform oral sex on him.

A blue T-shirt containing Kelly’s semen was kept safe after the assault by Pace’s lawyer. Instead of pressing charges, Pace sued Kelly in 2010, resulting in a $1.5 million out-of-court settlement.

In 2017 Pace handed the blue T-shirt and her cell phone to police.

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