A federal judge has denied R. Kelly’s emergency motion seeking temporary furlough amid allegations of a plot to harm the incarcerated musician. The Chicago judge cited lack of jurisdiction over the alleged threats, which reportedly occurred in other districts, as the primary reason for the denial.
According to court documents, Kelly’s attorneys claimed prison officials and fellow inmates had conspired to harm the singer, with specific allegations involving a member of the Aryan Brotherhood. The defense team presented evidence suggesting Kelly’s life was in danger due to these prison plots, including claims of mail theft and conspiracy between staff and former cellmates.
Prison officials and inmates allegedly plotted against Kelly, with an Aryan Brotherhood member involved and evidence of mail theft.
The 57-year-old performer, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is currently serving combined sentences of 30 years for racketeering and 20 years for child pornography convictions at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina. His legal team has consistently challenged his imprisonment conditions since his incarceration.
Kelly’s attorney also raised serious concerns about the singer’s deteriorating health, stating that he suffers from blood clots in his lungs and has been denied necessary medical treatment. The defense claimed that life-saving surgery for this condition has been repeatedly delayed, putting Kelly at significant risk. Doctors at Duke University hospital reportedly recommended a pulmonary embolectomy to address the blood clots threatening Kelly’s life.
Following the judge’s ruling, the defense announced plans to file new motions, including a request for release on bond pending further litigation. Federal prosecutors opposed Kelly’s emergency motion, describing his claims as a fanciful conspiracy and characterizing the filing as deeply unserious and theatrical. A previously scheduled hearing was subsequently canceled after the motion’s denial.
The case has drawn additional attention after Kelly’s representatives made a public plea to President Trump for the singer’s release, citing both the alleged threats and health concerns as justification.
Legal experts note that jurisdiction typically follows the location where alleged crimes occurred, which explains why the Chicago judge determined she lacked authority to rule on threats allegedly taking place in North Carolina.
Kelly’s team will now need to file any future motions in the appropriate jurisdictional district if they wish to pursue similar relief based on the same allegations.
