CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses sexual assault
Chicago prosecutors are reportedly investigating a new video that’s surfaced which allegedly shows R&B singer and accused sexual abuser, R. Kelly having sex with an underage girl.
Jim DeRogatis, a Chicago journalist, says the graphic tape, which runs for 45 minutes is now in the hands of the authorities.
The report came after lawyer Michael Avenatti said he was representing a man who he referred to as a whistleblower against Kelly, and that the tape had been handed over to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago.
Reports from CNN say they’ve seen the footage and that it is “clear and explicit”.
The tape allegedly sees a man appearing to be R Kelly engage in multiple sexual acts with the girl, who is identified to be 14 years old several times throughout the tapes by both parties.
Reports say the tape closely mirrors Kelly’s alleged acts which he was arrested for back in 2002. He was acquitted of those charges in 2008.
In a statement, Michael Avenatti clarified that this video is not the same evidence used in prior criminal matters against Kelly and does not depict the same instances of sexual assault.
He said, “Mr Kelly is a predator and a criminal who has prayed [sic] on young, vulnerable girls for far too long. The time has come for him to finally be held accountable for his actions.”
Kelly’s attorney, Steve Greenberg, told CNN he hadn’t heard about the new development in the case and hadn’t heard of any new information regarding Kelly.
“We have not been contacted by anyone. We have not been informed about any new information by anyone and we have not been contacted by law enforcement,” said Greenberg.
Chicago’s State Attorney Office’s Chief Communications Officer, Tandra R. Simonton said, “We cannot confirm or deny an investigation.”
A docu-series, ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ is set for its Australian television premiere next week on Foxtel’s Crime + Investigation channel. Both Kelly and his attorney, Greenberg deny the allegations in the series.
Read Michael Avenatti’s statement in full below.
In response to press inquiries, attached is a stmt regarding our work on the R. Kelly matter since April, including the discovery of new critical video evidence establishing his guilt. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that this predator is brought to justice. pic.twitter.com/D0dGFzgXlX
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) February 14, 2019
If you need assistance, 1800 RESPECT – the National Sexual Assault, Domestic
and Family Violence Counselling Service — can be reached on 1800 737 732.
For help or information regarding mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
