R. Kelly has been found guilty of racketeering and sex crimes, but representative Danny Davis doesn’t think he’s beyond redemption.
The 54-year-old “I Believe I Can Fly” singer was found guilty on Monday of all nine counts in his racketeering and sex trafficking case in New York. He faces 10 years to life in prison.
The guilty verdict immediately sparked questions about the future of Kelly’s celebrated body of work and reignited debates over whether art and artist can be separated by the public.
For his part, Davis (D-Ill.) believes that there could be a future for the star in Chicago.
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“As an artist, one who’s gifted, I think he’ll be welcomed back into Chicago as a person who can be redeemed,” the politician told TMZ. “I’m a big believer in what is called second chances.”
He then made note of The Second Chance Act, which he championed in 2007. The Act helps to provide opportunities for jobs, housing and more for former inmates.
“It really will all depend upon him,” Davis said.
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When asked what he’d tell Kelly if given the opportunity, Davis said: “Try and find peace with the Maker and peace with himself and reconcile with the universe for the acts that he may have committed.”
Kelly was found guilty on one count of racketeering including 14 underlying acts of sexual exploitation of a child, kidnapping, bribery, and sex trafficking charges. Charges went back more than two decades.
Rep. Danny Davis said R. Kelly ‘can be redeemed.’
(Getty Images)
Kelly was also charged with eight violations of the Mann Act, which makes it illegal to transport anyone across state lines “for any immoral purpose.”
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He has denied any wrongdoing.
He will be sentenced on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, but could receive up to a life sentence.
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The Associated Press and Fox News’ Jessica Napoli contributed to this report