R. Kelly Unaware of $10.5 Million Lawsuit Loss Over Documentary Threats; Claims Legal Oversights from Behind Bars
In a recent turn of events, R&B singer R. Kelly expressed surprise at the $10.5 million lawsuit loss related to his attempt to halt the screening of the documentary “Surviving R. Kelly” back in September 2018. Despite the court ruling against him and his former manager, Donnell Russell, Kelly insists he was oblivious to the legal proceedings and was unable to defend himself.
Documents obtained by TMZ on Monday revealed Kelly’s assertion that he has faced numerous legal challenges recently, making it difficult for him to stay informed, particularly while incarcerated. The singer, who mentioned a recent change in legal representation, believes the lawsuit may have slipped through the cracks during this transition. Furthermore, Kelly claimed that even if he had been aware, his inability to read beyond a grade school level would have hindered his understanding of the legal complexities involved.
Maintaining his innocence, R. Kelly distanced himself from the actions of Donnell Russell, stating that Russell, who was not officially his manager, acted independently to obstruct the documentary screening for personal reasons.
In a separate legal matter, R. Kelly filed a lawsuit against the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), accusing them of leaking his prison emails and call logs to blogger Tasha K. The lawsuit, filed in a Chicago federal court on November 13, alleges that a BOP agent unlawfully accessed Kelly’s digital prison records, which were subsequently sold to Tasha K in 2019. The singer claims the leaks have caused him distress, leaving him isolated and fearful of communicating with his attorneys.
The complaint also accuses the BOP of covering up misconduct, as no charges were brought against the officer responsible for the leaks. Kelly’s legal team contends that the ongoing leaks constitute negligence, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, civil theft, and civil conspiracy.
A spokesperson for the BOP declined to comment on the pending litigation, citing agency policy.
