R. Kelly Petitions President Trump for Clemency, Seeks Sentence Reduction
R. Kelly Petitions President Trump for Clemency, Seeks Sentence Reduction
Disgraced American R&B singer R. Kelly has formally petitioned United States President Donald Trump for executive clemency, seeking a reduction of the prison sentence he is currently serving for multiple federal convictions involving sex trafficking and child sexual abuse-related offences.
Court records from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney show that Kelly, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, has submitted an application requesting a commutation of his sentence, rather than a full presidential pardon. The application is currently pending.
The 59-year-old singer is serving a 31-year federal prison sentence following convictions in separate cases involving racketeering, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material. His current projected release date is in 2046.
Kelly’s lawyer, Beau Brindley, has spent more than a year lobbying for presidential intervention, arguing that the singer deserves clemency. The attorney has also previously claimed that Kelly’s safety was at risk while in federal custody, although those allegations have not resulted in his release.
Once regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary R&B music, R. Kelly rose to international fame with hit songs including “I Believe I Can Fly” and “Ignition (Remix).” However, his music career collapsed following years of allegations that culminated in multiple federal convictions.
The clemency request now rests with President Trump’s administration and the Office of the Pardon Attorney. As of the time of filing, no decision has been announced on the application.
