R. Kelly Loses Venue Lawsuit, Faces More Sexual Assault Allegations

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, – R. Kelly
in 2015

A judge tossed out a lawsuit filed by R. Kelly after the singer reportedly failed to appear at court in Chicago and two of his lawyers withdrew from the case.

Kelly’s management company RSK Enterprises filed suit against venue operator Spectra, which runs the Macon Coliseum in Georgia, claiming the company breached its contract for his show there by not paying him in full. The lawsuit sought $100,000 plus other damages.

Spectra argued the case be dismissed and a U.S. District Court judge has tossed the suit after the singer missed a May 15 hearing, Pitchfork reports.

Kelly “was warned that any future failures to appear may subject this case to a dismissal for want of prosecution,” according to court minutes. “This case is hereby dismissed for want of prosecution. Any pending deadlines or hearings are stricken. Civil case terminated.”

Kelly and representatives also failed to appear at hearings May 8 and April 3 according to court records.

Meanwhile, TMZ reports R. Kelly has been sued for sexual assault by a woman who was 19 and says after meeting at a show in San Antonio flew her to a concert in New York City, after which she was subjected to “unwanted sexual contact” and “abusive sex.” The woman, named Faith Rodgers, reportedly says Kelly had an assistant standing guard to make sure she couldn’t escape.

The accusations come after protests and calls to #MuteRKelly after reporter Jim DeRogatis detailed allegations that the singer ran a “sex cult” holding women against their will. Multiple concerts were canceled after the news, and more women have come forward accusing the singer of misconduct.

The singer’s management provided a statement to Variety saying: “Kelly supports the pro-women goals of the Time’s Up movement. We understand criticizing a famous artist is a good way to draw attention to those goals — and in this case, it is unjust and off-target.

“We fully support the rights of women to be empowered to make their own choices. Time’s Up has neglected to speak with any of the women who welcome R. Kelly’s support, and it has rushed to judgment without the facts. Soon it will become clear Mr. Kelly is the target of a greedy, conscious and malicious conspiracy to demean him, his family and the women with whom he spends his time.”