R. Kelly Is Struggling to Come Up With His $100,000 Bail

Two days after being charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and given a $1 million bond, R. Kelly remains in a Chicago jail, reportedly unable to come up with the money for his bail. To get out of jail, Kelly needs to post 10 percent of the bond amount, or $100,000, but the singer has experienced money woes in recent years, thanks in part the activists who have launched the #MuteRKelly campaign. During Kelly’s bond hearing, his attorney, Steve Greenberg, said the singer’s “finances are in a mess” after being dropped by his record label. Kelly also owes nearly $170,000 in back child support to his ex-wife, Andrea Kelly. Despite his precarious financial situation, Greenberg called the bond amount “fair and reasonable” and said he’s hopeful the singer will be able to get the money together soon.

R. Kelly Attorney Greenberg's thoughts on $1,000,000 bond @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/niJ387Qfe5

— Megan Hickey (@MeganHickeyTV) February 23, 2019

According to Cook County State’s Attorney Kimm Foxx, the charges against the singer stem from incidents that allegedly occurred between 1998 and 2010. They include sexual acts with three children older than 13 but younger than 17, as well as a fourth victim was 24 at the time of the alleged incident. Foxx also accused the singer used force or the threat of force during the alleged assaults. At Saturday’s hearing, Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr. called the charges against R. Kelly “disturbing,” while Kelly has continued to deny the allegations levied against him. If convicted on all charges Kelly could face anywhere between 30 to 70 years in prison, since each charge carries a sentence of 3-7 years. Kelly is expected to appear in court on Monday to formally enter a plea. He is slated to be arraigned on March 8.