Six of R. Kelly's accusers are making a bold move to target his music royalties in order to recover nearly $10 million in damages awarded to them in their abuse case.
Even though R. Kelly is facing a lengthy jail sentence, his legal and financial troubles persist as his accusers embark on a legal action to seize his music royalties. The goal is to collect on the near $10 million judgment owed to Lizette Martinez, Lisa Van Allen, Kelly Rodgers, Faith Rodgers, Roderick Gartell, and Gem Pratts.
Having secured a $10.36 million default judgment in 2022 due to R. Kelly and his co-defendants' failure to appear in court, the debt has now accumulated interest and stands at $9,937,314.38. A partial payment of $210,639.77 was obtained earlier this year through garnishment, covering only a fraction of the accrued interest over 82 days.
The victims request a court order to redirect earnings from Kelly's catalog towards repaying the outstanding debt. These accusers faced harassment, intimidation, and retaliation linked to Kelly's abusive behavior and that of his associates, especially after the release of the "Surviving R. Kelly" documentary.
Despite his existing legal issues and terminated publishing deal, R. Kelly still generates royalties through a 1991 agreement with Universal Music. The victims are now seeking to halt these future royalty payments until the judgment is satisfied.
Among the accusers is Faith Rodgers, who testified against Kelly in his Brooklyn federal trial, accusing him of filming her without her consent and false imprisonment during their relationship when she was 19. Other survivors, like Lizette Martinez and Lisa Van Allen, have also shared their traumatic experiences.
R. Kelly, currently imprisoned on separate federal convictions, claimed ignorance regarding the legal proceedings that resulted in the $10 million default judgment. He also distanced himself from his former manager Donnell Russell's actions, including intimidating victims and disrupting a screening of "Surviving R. Kelly."
Russell, sentenced to one year in prison for his actions, managed to halt the screening of the documentary but faced consequences for his actions.