R. Kelly's appeal to overturn his sex trafficking conviction has been denied, as a federal court upholds his 30-year prison sentence. The ruling came from a federal appeals court in Manhattan, which rejected the R&B singer's attempt to overturn his conviction for racketeering and sex trafficking.

The court dismissed Kelly's claims, stating that the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrated how he used his celebrity status to manipulate and exploit young women and underage girls for over two decades. The three-judge panel emphasized the extensive evidence showing Kelly's pattern of ensnaring young girls and women into his world, exerting control over their lives through abuse and manipulation.

Despite the setback, Kelly's legal team, led by attorney Jennifer Bonjean, plans to appeal the decision further, arguing that the singer was wrongly convicted under laws meant to target organized crime.

Once a music industry icon with numerous chart-topping hits, Kelly's career has crumbled under the weight of disturbing allegations and legal battles. His imprisonment follows the heightened scrutiny brought about by the 2019 docuseries Surviving R. Kelly, which exposed the allegations that had plagued him for years.

As Kelly remains in prison, serving a sentence that could potentially last a lifetime, his defense team continues to challenge the conviction in higher courts.