Jackson Free Press

Cook County Judge Vince Gaughan ruled against both prosecutors and defense lawyers for R&B superstar R. Kelly Thursday, saying he will not prevent members of the public at Kelly's child pornography trial from viewing the videotape that appears to show Kelly engaging in sex acts with a 14-year-old girl.

Yes, it might mean people are watching child pornography, but to make secret the heart of the prosecution case against Kelly might undermine the public's confidence in the jury's verdict, Gaughan said.

"This is the whole crux or linchpin of the case against Mr. Kelly," Gaughan said. "Without it, the case wouldn't exist." Adding that he did not want a "star chamber," the judge said, "The press is very important and can't be excluded."

Entire article can be read here:
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-kelly09.html

Previous Commentsshow

With all the success that R. Kelly has had since this case first erupted it is hard to believe sometime that it is still going on. This news that came Friday I think will defnitely make the proceedings more interesting. Though I have not seen the tape myself, those who have tole me that it is a toss up whether it is really him or not. I agree with this article--- and another that is at www.dailysouthtown.com that addresses how this could affect the alleged victim.

c a webb

Jun 12 2006

I really hope that is not R Kelly on the tape. But if it is then I hope he gets the max. I am sick and tired of men ruining these underage girls. I bet he would not like to see this happen to his daughter. It is awlful how God gave these people (MJ, OJ,etc) such talents only for them to squander them to feed their lust and greed. I am no judge but this makes one wonder do they think they are gods or what.

jada

Jun 12 2006

jada, success does seem to go to the head of some. it makes them feel as if they are invincible, that the basic laws of common decency don't apply to them. i am with you that we are not judges of R. Kelly and those who seem to allow their desires to get the best of them, but it has to stop somewhere. i do think it is interesting how we as a society are so forgiving of some and judgmental of others. this scandal, though it has been going on for a few years, has done little to hurt R. Kelly's record sales and popularity among the majority. if anything, it is his own antics (such as the failed tour with Jay-Z) that are proving to be his undoing.

c a webb

Jun 12 2006

All I could think when hearing this is "Oh Joy, something I really didn't want to see". He'll go free, celebs always do.

Ironghost

Jun 13 2006