Surprise Witness Slows Kelly Trial

Attorneys for R. Kelly threw a wrench into proceedings during a recent session of court in the singer’s child pornography trial, revealing the existence of a surprise defense witness whose testimony could allegedly undermine that of another witness.

Judge Vincent Gaughan adjourned court early May 28th, before one of the prosecution’s witnesses was set to take the stand.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the defense team received a phone call from a man May 28th claiming that he had information that could undermine the testimony of the prosecution’s most controversial witness.

The surprise witness arrived in Chicago later that evening to be interviewed by both the defense and prosecution teams.

The prosecution’s witness, an Atlanta woman, is expected to testify that she had a three-way sexual encounter with Kelly and the alleged victim depicted in the video, the Tribune said. The woman also reportedly testified during pre-trial proceedings that she had accepted money from one of the singer’s aides after handing over a copy of a different sex tape.

In other testimony, a former personal assistant for the singer, a former backup singer and a family friend of the alleged victim have claimed that it is in fact R. Kelly and the alleged victim on the sex tape.

Lindsey Perryman, who worked as Kelly’s assistant between 2000 and 2007, said that Kelly and the alleged victim often spent time together at his recording studio, and that she once saw the girl arrive as if she were ready to spend the night.

"She had a pillow and an overnight bag with her," Perryman said according to the Chicago Sun Times.

Defense attorneys have argued that Kelly and the alleged victim are not the people depicted on the tape.

Kelly, who has pleaded not guilty, has been charged with 14 counts of child pornography. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.