Lawyer Michael Avenatti says that he has given prosecutors a second tape allegedly showing singerR. Kellyengaging in sexual acts with a minor.
Avenatti, 48, says he is currentlyrepresenting seven clients— three alleged victims, two parents and two “whistleblowers” — in the investigation against Kelly, 52.
On Tuesday, the lawyer shared a tweet detailing the alleged contents of the tape, including the claim that Kelly repeatedly referenced the 14-year-old victim’s age and used graphic language. Avenatti added that his team has “substantial evidence” that alleges Kelly has previously attempted to hide this tape from prosecutors.
“In response to press inquires, below is further information regarding the videotape we provided yesterday to prosecutors,” Avenatti wrote. “It leaves no doubt as to R. Kelly’s guilt as to these serious sex crimes against underage girls.”(Warning: the contents ofthe tweetcontain profanity and disturbing details.)
In an interview withThe Daily Beaston Tuesday, Avenatti says that this tape depicts Kelly urinating on the victim’s face, as well as other body parts.
“This is a bad man,” Avenatti told the outlet. “This guy is a psychopath. There’s no question about it and when this thing finally gets busted wide open, people are going to be shocked at the level of depravity. I know I am.”
He also added, “If these girls weren’t black and poor, for the most part, this would have ended a long time ago.”
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The Cook County State Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
On Monday, Avenatti said that he had the second tape and that he was handing it over to prosecutors.
“I can confirm that we will be providing a second video showing R. Kelly engaged in sexual assault of a minor to prosecutors this morning,” he wrote. “This tape was recently uncovered in connection with our ongoing nationwide investigation on behalf of victims. Justice must be done.”
On Friday, after Kelly waschargedwith 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against four alleged victims, Avenattisaid that he had turned over a sex tapeto Cook County prosecutors in Illinois allegedly showing the singer engaging in sexual acts with a 14-year-old girl.
Avenatti shared screenshots from the alleged sex tape on his Twitter account and addressed them further during a press conference held later on Friday. PEOPLE reviewed the screenshots but chose not to include them because the alleged victim could have been underage at the time.
The tape, which Avenatti said is over 40 minutes in length, “leaves no question as to whether R. Kelly is guilty of multiple sexual, illegal acts against a 14-year-old girl,” he said.
Kelly’s attorney, Steven Greenberg did not immediately reply to PEOPLE’s request for comment. Kelly, however, hasrepeatedly denied all accusations of sexual abuseor misconduct made against him.
Hours earlier, Kelly’s attorney Steven Greenbergpleaded not guiltyon Kelly’s behalf, reported theAssociated Press.
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Kelly appeared in court on Monday, after spending the weekend in Cook County jail, as he failed to post the $100,000 payment necessary for him to make bail, according toCNN, who also reported that the singer appeared in court in an orange jumpsuit.
In a court appearance on Saturday, a judge ordered that Kelly —who surrendered to police on Friday night—be held on a $1 million bond.
The judge — who called the allegations against Kelly “disturbing” — explained the amount, saying the sum represents $250,000 for each of Kelly’s alleged four victims, theAssociated Presspreviously reported.
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source: people.com
