What is going on with R. Kelly and his lawyers?
There has been a reshuffling in his legal team once again, as the singer's longtime lawyers have been granted their request to withdraw from his case just weeks before he's due in court.
After hiring two new lawyers Thomas Farinella and Nicole Becker, two lawyers Steve Greenberg and Michael Leonard claimed that it was "impossible" to work alongside the two new lawyers.
Early this week, Greenberg and Leonard's request to officially withdraw from the case was granted by US District Judge Ann Donnelly.
When the judge asked the "Ignition" hitmaker during a phone hearing on June 9 if he would want to drop Greenberg and Leonard from his representation, he reportedly responded, "Absolutely yes, ma'am, your honor."
But expanding on the disagreement in an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Greenberg said, "Ultimately, as trial lawyers and in the interests of the client, we weren't comfortable professionally with allowing lawyers who have never tried federal criminal cases to have significant trial responsibilities."
"That approach was not to everyone's liking," the lawyer further said.
R. Kelly is facing several charges in New York and Chicago for leading enterprise managers, bodyguards, and other employees of recruiting women and young girls for sex.
His trial in New York is for child pornography, obstruction of justice, and racketeering and is set to start this August.
According to federal prosecutors, the group selected victims at concerts and other venues and arranged for them to travel to see the multiplatinum-selling R&B singer.
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R. Kelly Tries To Secure Temporarily Release From Jail
In early July, R. Kelly has tried to get released from jail once again just ahead of his trial in New York.
According to court papers filed by his lawyers, since R. Kelly, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, has been moved to New York, he hasn't been able to meet with his lawyers.
They further claim that accessing him through the phone is very challenging for them.
In April 2020, the "I Believe I Can Fly" singer also sought release on bond because of the pandemic; however, his request was denied.
With the recent request for release, Judge Donnelly said that he and his team hasn't established "compelling reasons" that would warrant his dismissal.
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