Representative Danny Davis doesn’t think R. Kelly is beyond redemption after the 54-year-old singer was found guilty of racketeering and sex crimes. The ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ singer is facing ten years to life in prison.
Robert Sylvester Kelly, popularly known as R. Kelly, was found guilty of all nine counts in his sex trafficking case in court on Monday. The guilty verdict instantly sparked debates about Kelly’s future and whether the public can separate art and artist.
Speaking to TMZ, Davis said there could be a future for the Chicago star.
“As an artist, one who’s gifted, I think he’ll be welcomed back into Chicago as a person who can be redeemed. I’m a big believer in what is called second chances,” Davis told TMZ.
However, he said it will all depend upon the singer. When asked what he’d tell Kelly if given the opportunity, this was Davis’ reply:
“Try and find peace with the Maker and peace with himself and reconcile with the universe for the acts that he may have committed.”
R. Kelly’s guilty verdict has brought long-overdue justice to predominantly Black female victims. Allegations swirled for decades that the singer was abusing young women and girls with seeming impunity. Kelly’s victims were primarily young Black women and underage black girls.
The history of allegations against R. Kelly has been published on BBC Tuesday.
