R. Kelly Fails to Make Bail

It’s finally time for R. Kelly to face the music.

Mollie Wagner

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Photo via Associated Press

The R&B star R. Kelly has been charged with decades of allegations for taking advantage of underage women and using some of them as sexual slaves. Kelly entered a not guilty plea in response to being charged with 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse, with three alleged victims between the ages of 13 and 17.

“It’s a shame because I actually really liked his music,” junior Paige Bolton said. “This whole situation also just goes to show the extremes people will go to get what they want; I guess even in the public eye cruelty still exists.”

After being taken into custody, Kelly, who was acquitted of child pornography charges in 2008, has consistently denied any additional sexual misconduct. The singer was indicted in Cook County, Ill., and on Saturday afternoon, a judge set bail at $1 million.  Kelly’s case was assigned to Cook County Associate Judge Lawrence Flood; Kelly’s next court date is set for March 22.

According to CNN, “Kelly must surrender his passport and is forbidden from having contact with anyone under the age of 18. “

One of the victims gave authorities a shirt she wore during an alleged encounter with the singer, which later tested positive with Kelly’s DNA. Prosecutors have also claimed that Kelly spit on two of his alleged victims.

Kelly’s attorney, Steven Greenberg, stated that the singer still has yet to collect $100,000 — 10 percent of the $1 million bond — to make bail, but Kelly’s team is working to amass the funds. On Saturday afternoon, Greenberg told reporters that his client’s finances are “a mess,” and that “he really doesn’t have any money.” Multiple press outlets have also reported that according to court documents, Kelly owes more than $160,000 in unpaid child support.