R. Kelly will remain in federal custody after a judge rejected his emergency motion for home confinement, dismissing dramatic claims that the imprisoned singer was targeted for murder and given an overdose of medication.
U.S. District Judge Martha Pacold ruled that she lacked the jurisdiction to rule on the matter, effectively ending the singer’s attempt to leave prison early. Kelly, 58, is currently serving a 30-year sentence for sex trafficking and racketeering at the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina.
His legal team filed the emergency motion in the same Chicago court where he was convicted in 2022, alleging he was drugged, hospitalized, and nearly killed in a plot involving Bureau of Prisons staff and inmates.
Claims dismissed as ‘fanciful and theatrical’
Federal prosecutors responded sharply to the allegations, describing them as both “fanciful” and “theatrical.” In their court filing, they slammed the legal motion for procedural missteps and warned it set a dangerous precedent.
“The motion makes a mockery of the harm suffered by Kelly’s victims,” prosecutors wrote. “If granted, it could open the door for every convicted murderer, rapist, and terrorist to demand release on similar grounds.”
The judge not only denied the emergency request but also canceled a scheduled hearing on the matter, originally set for Friday.
Defense says Kelly’s life is still at risk
Attorney Beau Brindley, who represents Kelly, acknowledged the jurisdictional challenge but insisted the singer’s life is in immediate danger. According to the motion, Kelly was placed in solitary confinement before allegedly receiving an “overdose quantity” of medication. He was later transferred to Duke University Hospital and, his lawyers claim, removed “against medical advice” while being treated for blood clots.
“We are not surprised by this ruling,” Brindley said. “However, we had no choice but to act immediately given explicit evidence of a threat to Robert Kelly’s life.”
The Bureau of Prisons declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.
Next legal moves already in motion
Despite the setback, Kelly’s defense team says they plan to press forward with new legal action. Brindley announced plans to file a fresh motion to vacate Kelly’s convictions in Chicago, citing “newly discovered evidence” that he claims could change the outcome of the case.
He also floated a long-shot possibility for presidential intervention, stating, “The courts do not move as quickly as the efforts to kill this man.” Brindley referenced former President Donald Trump as a potential source of relief, though no official pardon request has been filed.
Kelly, once one of R&B’s biggest stars, has been incarcerated since his 2022 conviction. His legal troubles have spanned multiple jurisdictions and include charges in New York and Chicago.
The trial judge’s ruling keeps Kelly in prison as his legal team prepares their next steps.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.