As previously reported by Yo! Raps, the R. Kelly trial is underway after six years of delays. On Monday (May 12) prosecutors and lawyers for the defense chose three jurors. OnMay 15, six additional jurors were selected, bringing the total to nine. Among the new six are a Vietnam veteran, a nurse, an immigrant from Romania and a young woman who said she was once raped.  There are to be a total of 16 jurors for the trial with four alternates.

The first juror on Monday was an African American man who works as an employee for a telecommunications employee. The second is the wife of a Baptist preacher who swore that her religious beliefs would not influence her opinions as a juror. When being questioned by the judge and attorneys, the third juror chosen (a white business executive) colorfully referred to Kelly’s alleged crime as, “the lowest of the low.”

Kelly, dressed in a dark grey and silver suit and a well manicured baby fro sat straight faced as he watched the proceedings. He occasionally covered his nose with a tissue and prosecutors complained of a foul stench coming from the rest room he was seated next to. 

Some other potential jurors were excused. One man in his 50s was dismissed for being a Kelly fan and “clearly awestruck by Kelly’s celebrity.” And just when it was looking like Kelly was living up to his “piped piper” reputation, a security guard was sent packing for revealing that Kelly would have “some explaining to do” if it was determined that it was really him in the video. 

The now infamous R. Kelly tape is the crest of the prosecutions case. In the tape, R. Kelly allegedly has sex with a minor, gives her money to “buy Reeboks,” and even urinates on her.  He's pleaded not guilty and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Today’s jury picks nearly complete the jury selection portion of Kells’ trial. Opening statements are expected to get under way early next week.  

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