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R. Kelly found guilty in sex trafficking trial
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R. Kelly found guilty in sex trafficking trial

After decades of allegations, the singer is convicted of running a scheme to abuse women and children.

Culture & Entertainment

Singer R. Kelly has been found guilty of exploiting his superstar status to run a scheme to sexually abuse women and children over two decades.

Eleven accusers - nine women and two men - took the stand over the searing six-week trial to describe sexual humiliation and violence at his hands.

After two days of deliberation, the jury found the US star guilty on all nine charges he was facing.

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Sentencing is due on 4 May and he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

The jury found Kelly, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, was the ringleader of a violent and coercive scheme that lured women and children for him to sexually abuse.

The singer - most famous for the hit songs I Believe I Can Fly and Ignition (Remix) - was also found to have trafficked women between different US states.

Along with eight counts of sex trafficking, Kelly was found guilty of racketeering - a charge normally used against organised crime associations.

During the trial, prosecutors detailed how his managers, security guards and other entourage members worked to assist him in his criminal enterprise.