By Brendan Pierson
NEW YORK – A woman who said R. Kelly sexually abused her over their five-year relationship told jurors on Tuesday that the R&B singer ordered her to have sex with another man while he watched, and forbade her from watching a television documentary detailing allegations of his sexual abuse.
But a lawyer for Kelly tried during cross-examination to cast doubt on the woman’s claims, and instead show that Kelly treated her well, even generously, and that she welcomed his company.
The woman, who identified herself on the witness stand as Jane, is the second accuser to testify against Kelly at the 54-year-old’s trial in federal court in Brooklyn.
Kelly, known for the Grammy-winning song “I Believe I Can Fly,” has pleaded not guilty to prosecutors’ charges he abused six women and girls, including Jane and the late singer Aaliyah.
He could face life in prison if convicted. The trial began on Aug. 18 and could last a month.
Jane, who began testifying on Monday, said she was 17 when she met Kelly at a 2015 Florida music festival, later lived with him until the summer of 2019, and left him for good that October. — Reuters
