Attorneys for R. Kelly are appealing once again for his release, claiming that he is unable to prepare for his upcoming trial from behind bars.
According to his legal team, he has not been able to meet with them since the COVID-19 shutdown in March.
“He has essentially been cut out of the discovery and preparation process,” attorney Tom Farinella, who will argue Kelly’s bail appeal before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, wrote in a court filing per CNN.
Kelly is currently facing multiple state and federal charges in the US, with accusations including sexual assault, abuse of a minor, making indecent images of minors, racketeering and obstruction of justice. The 52-year-old has vehemently denied the claims.
Bail for the star was denied by a Brooklyn federal judge who cited “the strong possibility of witness tampering.” He also faces charges relating to those claims.
“He hasn’t attempted to intimidate anyone, or encouraged anyone else to do so,” says Steven Greenberg. “No involvement whatsoever.”