Embattled R&B singer, Robert Kelly, better known as R. Kelly, has been sentenced to 30 years imprision message.

The singer had been in detention for months, while waiting for his sentence after being found guilty of sex trafficking.

In September, a New York jury convicted the Grammy award-winning, multiplatinum-selling songwriter was found guilty last year of racketeering and sex trafficking at a trial that gave voice to accusers who had previously wondered if their stories were being ignored because they were Black women.

He was accused by multiple parties and found guilty of running a scheme to sexually abuse women and children.

On hearing his penalty, the ex-pop star didn’t give a statement and showed no reaction, which also included a $100,000 fine. He has further denied wrongdoing, and plans to appeal his conviction.

However, Jennifer Bonjean, Kelly’s lawyer said he was “devastated” by the sentence.

She said;

“He’s a human being. He feels what other people are feeling. But that doesn’t mean that he can accept responsibility in the way that the government would like him to and other people would like him to. Because he disagrees with the characterizations that have been made about him.” 

The Brooklyn U.S. Attorney, Breon Peace also said:

“I hope this sentencing serves as its own testimony that it doesn’t matter how powerful, rich or famous your abuser may be or how small they make you feel — justice only hears the truth.”

Kelly has been detained in a jail without a bond since 2019. In Chicago, where a trial is set to start on August 15, he continues to be charged with child pornography and obstructing the administration of justice.