Julie Hambleton

Julie Hambleton

July 6, 2022

R. Kelly’s Lawyer Blamed Childhood Sexual Abuse By His Sister for His “Hypersexuality” In Sentencing Memo

Just before R. Kelly’s 30-year prison sentence was handed down, his lawyer has put in an appeal for his then 25-year prison sentence to be reduced to 10 years. She said that his crimes don’t merit such a long sentence. This, she asid, is especially due to the fact that R. Kelly himself was sexually abused as a child. In the appeal, she said this was the reason for the former R&B singer’s “hypersexuality”. 

R. Kelly’s Lawyer Asks For A Reduced Sentence

On June 28th, R. Kelly’s lawyer Jennifer Bonjean asked a federal judge to limit the disgraced R&B singer’s prison sentence to no more than 10 years. This is as opposed to the 25-year sentence that he is likely to face in his upcoming sentencing hearing. She says that his “hypersexual” behavior is due to being sexually abused by his sister, among other people, as a child. Bonjean explained that R Kelly’s childhood was traumatic and he grew up in a violent household. (1)

This past September, R. Kelly was convicted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges from several states. Attorney Bonjean argues that, at 55 years old, giving him 25 years is essentially giving him a life sentence. She says that his crimes, though grave, don’t merit a life sentence. Bonjean explains that this is especially because of the abuse he, himself, suffered as a child. This abuse, she says, offers some sort of explanation as to why he sexually, physically, and emotionally abused so many underage women throughout his career.

“A 25-year sentence is tantamount to a life sentence for Defendant who is 55 years old,” Bonjean wrote. “Defendant’s convictions involve four victims who describe conduct that is simply not deserving of a de facto life sentence.”

R. Kelly’s Traumatic Past

In her memo, Bonjean described R. Kelly’s as a “rags to riches” tale from a highly dangerous and disadvantaged upbringing. R. Kelly grew up in a dangerous Chicago neighborhood, raised by his mother and stepfather, who were heavy drinkers. They disciplined Kelly and his brothers by whipping them, and apparently, his own mother once stabbed him in the arm with a knife.

Outside of his home, Kelly was subjected to gang violence and at 14 years old was shot in the arm while out riding his bike.

In two separate psychological evaluations, Kelly told the psychologists that his sister sexually abused he and his brothers for years. This all began when Kelly was just six years old. Their landlord and family friend also sexually abused the singer as a boy. Bonjean says that this abuse is in large part to blame for R. Kelly’s sexual discretions and also his cognitive ability. The man is functionally illiterate and has the cognitive ability of an elementary school student, according to the attorney.

“Defendant is widely accepted as a musical genius with a rags-to-riches story. He is considered the greatest living R&B singer and has earned multiple Grammy awards. He has written and produced music for celebrated artists like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. Notwithstanding his legendary status, Robert Kelly is a man with a rich and complicated story that is highly relevant to this Court’s goal of fashioning an appropriate sentence for him.” she wrote.

The Prosecution Disagrees

The prosecutors and the victims they are representing, however, do not agree. Many of these women testified in court about the atrocious traumas they suffered at the hands of R. Kelly. They spoke about how he controlled every aspect of their lives. Allegedly they had to ask permission even just to use the bathroom and were forbidden from looking at other men. (2)

The singer sexually abused, beat, and blackmailed them. He cut them off from their family and friends by taking away their phones. He even apparently married one of his victims, who was just 12 years old at the time, so he could get her access to an abortion without parental consent after he impregnated her.

“First, the defendant continues to avoid any acknowledgment of the seriousness of his conduct or the harm that he caused, further supporting the government’s contention that the defendant has shown no acceptance of responsibility and is unlikely to be deterred from committing future crimes,” said Assistant US Attorney Elizabeth Geddes. “Second, in his submission, the defendant perpetuates his version of events in a manner that is flagrantly false and contrary to the evidence adduced at trial.”

R. Kelly was recently on suicide watch by the prison where he is being held, however, it has since been lifted (3)

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Sources

  1. R. Kelly’s attorney says the ‘musical genius’ doesn’t deserve 25 years in prison for his crimes because he was sexually abused as a child.” Insider. Haven Orecchio-Egresitz. June 28, 2022.
  2. R. Kelly: The history of allegations against him.” BBC. Marck Savage. June 2022.
  3. “In reversal, prosecutors say R. Kelly off suicide watch” Toronto Star. July 5, 2022.