A federal appeals court ruled this week that R. Kelly was overcharged for restitution payments tied to herpes medication for one of his victims. While the disgraced singer’s 30-year prison sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking remains intact, the court found the original restitution order for name-brand herpes medication excessive.
Judge Orders Generic Herpes Medication Payment for R. Kelly’s Victim
Judge Richard J. Sullivan of the U.S. Court of Appeals in New York determined R. Kelly should only pay for generic herpes treatment instead of the pricier Valtrex brand. Prosecutors initially ordered the singer to pay 270,000 monthly. However, generic alternatives cost just 15.31 monthly. The judge noted the victim could use the remaining funds for other needs.
This ruling emerged during R. Kelly’s appeal of his 2021 convictions, which included sex trafficking, racketeering, and exploiting minors. The court upheld his 30-year sentence, citing overwhelming evidence that R. Kelly leveraged his fame to groom and abuse young women and girls for decades.
Appeals Court Upholds R. Kelly’s Convictions Despite Partial Win
The three-judge panel rejected R. Kelly’s argument that testimonies about him knowingly transmitting herpes were prejudicial. They also defended allowing graphic video evidence, stating it demonstrated the singer’s dominance over victims. R. Kelly’s legal team, led by attorney Jennifer Bonjean, criticized the decision, claiming it expands RICO laws beyond their intended scope.
Bonjean argued the ruling sets a dangerous precedent by applying organized crime statutes to individual misconduct. She hinted at pursuing a Supreme Court appeal, asserting R. Kelly’s case misrepresents RICO’s purpose. Meanwhile, the court emphasized R. Kelly’s systemic abuse, enabled by entourages who isolated victims and concealed his crimes.
This marks another legal setback for R. Kelly, whose 2022 appeal of a separate 20-year Illinois sentence for child sex crimes was also denied. Multiple accusers, including his daughter Buku Abi, have publicly detailed abuse, cementing his reputation as a serial predator.
R. Kelly, currently incarcerated in North Carolina, faces mounting financial liabilities. His net worth, once estimated at $100 million, has dwindled due to legal fees and settlements. The latest ruling offers minimal relief, trimming restitution costs but preserving his decades-long prison term.
As R. Kelly’s legal battles continue, advocates stress the importance of holding powerful figures accountable. The case underscores enduring debates about celebrity, justice, and the mechanisms enabling systemic abuse.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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