Singer R.Kelly Denied Bail on the Pretext of ‘Coronavirus Fear’

R&B singer R. Kelly who is currently in jail on account of sexual misconduct has been denied bail on the pretext of Coronavirus. The singer in his bail request – stated that he fears he may contract the virus in jail – which was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly of Brooklyn in New York.

“The defendant is currently in custody because of the risks that he will flee or attempt to obstruct, threaten or intimidate prospective witnesses,” said the federal judge in response to Kelly’s request.

“The defendant has not explained how those risks have changed,” the judge added.

The singer who faces over a dozen counts of federal and state offenses of sexual misconduct including rape, assault and allegedly heading a group that supplied him girls is being held at Metropolitan Correctional Center, Downtown Chicago. The 53-year old has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Earlier, three staff members at a federal jail in Chicago had tested positive for COVID-19. However no cases of inmates have been reported so far, hence the judge did not find ‘fear of contracting virus’ justifiable cause for bail.