In recent developments, R. Kelly’s legal woes continue to mount as both federal courts uphold his convictions and new lawsuits emerge from victims seeking unpaid damages.

On February 12, 2025, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan affirmed R. Kelly’s racketeering and sex trafficking convictions, along with his 30-year prison sentence. The court recognized that Kelly exploited his fame to sexually abuse girls and young women over two decades. His attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing that the ruling was unprecedented and overly broad in its application of racketeering laws.

Adding to his legal challenges, six victims have filed a lawsuit against R. Kelly, claiming he owes them over $9.9 million from a 2022 judgment where they were awarded $10.3 million in damages. The plaintiffs, including Lizette Martinez and Lisa Van Allen, who were featured in the Lifetime documentary “Surviving R. Kelly,” allege that Kelly, alongside his former record label Universal Music and other affiliated parties, have not fulfilled the payment obligations. They are seeking the remaining amount, asserting that despite financial obligations set against his former label, they have received less than $500,000 so far.

R. Kelly is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking convictions. In addition, he received a 20-year sentence for child pornography and enticement of minors for sex charges in a Chicago federal court. Most of this latter sentence is set to run concurrently with his existing 30-year sentence, making him eligible for release in 2045.

R. Kelly is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking convictions. In addition, he received a 20-year sentence for child pornography and enticement of minors for sex charges in a Chicago federal court. Most of this latter sentence is set to run concurrently with his existing 30-year sentence, making him eligible for release in 2045.

These developments highlight the ongoing legal challenges facing the disgraced R&B singer, as victims continue to seek justice and courts uphold previous convictions.