R. Kelly speaks at his federal trial, but only to tell judge he won’t testify
CHICAGO — R. Kelly’s voice had been heard a few times in three weeks of testimony at his Chicago federal trial: crooning one of his biggest hits at the 1998 Grammys, rapping on a music video, and allegedly cajoling his then-14-year-old goddaughter to perform sex acts on tape.
But it wasn’t until Thursday that Kelly himself spoke in court, lowering his face mask to tell U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber he understood his right to take the stand — or not — in his own defense.
“No — I’m not going to testify,” said Kelly, who remained seated at the defense table in a gray suit.
It is rare for a criminal defendant to testify in federal court. It would have been particularly dangerous for Kelly, given the nature of the child pornography and obstruction of justice charges he faces and the cross-examination he surely would have had to endure.
Still, his decision to remain silent
