US singer Robert Sylvester Kelly, popularly known as R Kelly, was on Monday found guilty of exploiting his superstardom to sexually and systematically abuse women and children.

The said sex trafficking captured in the trial occurred over the last two decades, with nine female and two male accusers taking to the stand during the six-week high profile trial.

The 11 accusers described the sexual humiliation and violence they underwent at his hands of the American R&B legendary singer, writer and producer at different times and locations.

The jury deliberated for two days and found Kelly guilty on all the charges he was facing with the sentencing expected on May 4.

The superstar, who maintained he was innocent, could spend the rest of his life in jail after being found guilty of working with some members of his inner circle to lure women for sex.

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A number of his sexual victims had testified in court during the trial revealing that they were minors when the superstar abused them sexually.

The Gotham City singer was also found guilty of sex trafficking across US state borders.

"I have been practicing law for 47 years. During this time, I have pursued many sexual predators who have committed crimes against women and children. Of all the predators that I have pursued, Mr Kelly is the worst," said Gloria Allred, lawyer representing victims.

The jury decision came 13 years after R Kelly was exonerated of child pornography charges following a prosecution in Illinois.

According to the 2019 documentary Surviving R Kelly, some of Kelly’s victims were picked from his concerts or lured to join him through offers to help them with their music careers.

They were later to be subjected strict rules dubbed “Rob’s Rules” and violators punished.


R Kelly in court. 

He was also found guilty of racketeering, with the federal court hearing how he had unlawfully obtained papers allowing him to marry then then 15-year-old singer Aaliyah.

R Kelly faces a separate charge of child pornography and obstruction charges in Chicago and is also set to face sex abuse charges in Illinois and Minnesota.