Emily Puckering
R. Kelly's lawyers have confirmed the disgraced singer will appeal his sentence and has claimed he's 'not a predator'.
Earlier today (29 June), Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty in his sex trafficking trial.
Appearing at the US District Court in New York, the 'I Believe I Can Fly' singer had been facing a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.
But shortly after being sentenced, lawyers for the singer - whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly - have said he is going to appeal, the BBC has reported.
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Jennifer Bonjean spoke outside the court and explained their plans to appeal, saying: "Mr. Kelly is fine. We are excited for this appeal that we are bringing, obviously it was a hard day - he's been sentenced to a serious sentence - but we are confident in our arguments that we raised... that they well persuade the court of appeals."
She added, "30 years in prison is like a life sentence for him but at the same time, we knew the government was asking for 25 years, we were prepared for what the judge might impose," while also insisting to the press that Kelly is 'not a predator'.
"He has regrets and is sad," said Bonjean. "He disagrees with the characterisations that have been made about him."
During today's sentencing, Judge Ann Donnelly said Kelly had used his 'minions' to 'lure young fans into your orbit' after seven women were presented anonymously to give victim impact statements.
One of the women, who used the pseudonym Angela, told the court: "With every addition of a new victim you grew in wickedness, cockiness, diminishing any form of humanity or self-awareness, which soon became the breeding ground for your God-like complex.
"We reclaim our names from beneath the shadows of your afflicted trauma."
In September last year, Kelly was convicted of nine sex charges including racketeering and sex trafficking.
The 55-year-old is also currently awaiting an additional trial in Chicago, where he stands accused of another 13 counts including the production of child pornography, which is set to start in August.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 802 9999 between 12pm–2.30pm and 7pm– 9.30pm every day. Alternatively, you can contact Victim Support free on 08 08 16 89 111 available 24/7, every day of the year, including Christmas