Embattled American rapper R. Kelly has had his 30-year prison sentence upheld by a federal appeal court.

Recall that the famous singer was convicted for racketeering and sex trafficking in 2021. In 2022, he was sentenced to an additional 20-year jail term on charges related to child sex offenses, including producing images of child sexual abuse in Chicago.

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the Appeal Court delivered its verdict, stating that the singer’s fame was used for the sexual exploitation of young women and girls.

The court’s decision reads:
“Enabled by a constellation of managers, assistants, and his other staff for over 25 years, Kelly exploited his fame to lure ladies and young women into his grasp.

“Evidence at trial proved that he would isolate victims from friends and family, control every aspect of their lives, and abuse them physically, sexually, and verbally.”

Jennifer Bonjean, the singer’s lawyer, has promised to appeal the verdict at the Supreme Court.