Kelly’s Lawyers Want OutR. Kelly set to lose legal support. The Chicago Sun Times obtained a letter from Steven Greenberg to Judge Ann Donnelly concerning their request to be removed from the case. Greenberg argued that he and Mike Leonardo will be better as “effectively standby counsel.”
“We understand that this request comes close to the trial, and we are prepared to proceed as scheduled in August. However, due to significant reasons, we find it impossible to continue representing Mr. Kelly under the current circumstances.”
Other Legal Counsel, Leonardo Weighed In
In addition to Greenberg’s statement, Mike Leonard offered more insight on the legal team’s decision.
“We, as trial lawyers, prioritized our client’s interests and were professionally uncomfortable allowing lawyers without federal criminal trial experience to take on significant trial responsibilities. We only felt comfortable entrusting such responsibilities to those with substantial experience in federal criminal jury trials. We wish Mr. Kelly the best.”
Why Jump Ship Now?
The R&B singer’s current legal team does not offer a clear explanation for their decision. At some point, their reasoning will come out. Nonetheless, Greenberg has previously vocalized his issues with the trial on Twitter.
“They’re putting in extreme effort to target #RKelly, resorting to a law from the 60s that has never been applied to anyone before,” he recently shared.
- Kelly’s Pending Charges
The Chicago native faces charges for a multitude of offenses. They include sex trafficking, child pornography and racketeering, in New York, Minnesota and Illinois. Despite the case against him, R. Kelly denies all charges and has pleaded not guilty.
The pandemic delayed the trial, which will take place on August 9. The jury is out on who will represent R. Kelly at the trial.
