*Even while serving a 27-year prison sentence, R&B singer R. Kelly remains at the center of a battle waged by his abuse victims looking to collect a significant judgment against him.
Six survivors have filed a lawsuit claiming that they are still owed over $9.9 million from a $10.3 million judgment awarded to them in 2022. This courtroom clash highlights not only the continuing fallout from Kelly’s alleged crimes but also the tenacity of the survivors in their fight for justice.
The plaintiffs—Lizette Martinez, Lisa Van Allen, Kelly Rodgers, Faith Rodgers, Roderick Gartell, and Gem Pratts—have publicly shared their stories in the Lifetime docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly.” They detailed their abuse at the hands of the disgraced singer, giving voice to many who felt silenced for years.
According to their filing in the Manhattan Supreme Court, they claim to have received only two payments totaling less than $500,000 since being awarded the judgment, which indicates an ongoing struggle to collect the funds they are owed, the NY Post is reporting.
In August 2023, a court ordered Kelly to pay the six victims $5.1 million in combined compensatory damages and an additional $4.5 million in punitive damages. Their legal team argues that with the accrual of daily interest amounting to $2,450.30, the total owed has compounded significantly.
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As the trial and subsequent convictions have highlighted the severity of Kelly’s actions, it is evident that the victims are determined to secure the compensation they believe they rightfully deserve.
In their latest legal maneuver, the victims are suing not only R. Kelly but also Universal Music, the former record label that once propelled the singer to superstar status. Despite Kelly’s co-publishing agreement with Universal Music ending in 2019, the company is still contractually bound to collect revenues on his behalf. The plaintiffs’ court documents argue that any music royalties earned should be directed toward repaying the judgment they won against Kelly.
This lawsuit also targets Kelly’s imprisoned former manager, Donnell Russell, and IndyBuild, a revenue-sharing platform aimed at helping independent artists. By bringing multiple parties into the lawsuit, the victims seek to widen their options for collecting what they are owed, bolstering their chances of financial restitution from various sources connected to the singer’s career.
R. Kelly, once beloved by millions of fans who purchased his albums, faced a downfall starting in the 1990s as allegations of abuse surfaced. Over the subsequent decades, he navigated a turbulent legal landscape, including being acquitted of child pornography charges in 2008. However, following a renewed investigation and public exposure of his actions, Kelly was ultimately convicted in 2022 on multiple counts, including the production of child pornography and enticing minors for sex.
The victims’ pursuit of justice reflects not only their personal struggles but also the broader movement against sexual abuse and the enduring impact of Kelly’s actions. As they continue their fight in court, it remains clear that these survivors are committed to holding Kelly and those associated with him accountable for the harm he inflicted upon them, ensuring their stories remain told and recognized.
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With mounting pressure and a relentless legal battle, the outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for similar cases and underscore the importance of supporting victims in their quests for justice and financial restitution. As the saga unfolds, the focus will remain on the survivors, their resilience, and their unwavering demand for accountability.
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