R. Kelly Appears In Court To Face Off Against Michael Avenatti; Calls Into Question Avenatti’s Communications With Kim Foxx

R. Kelly stood before the court on Tuesday, as his legal team fought to challenge the authenticity of a sex tape brought forth by the controversial attorney, Michael Avenatti. 

In the hearing, Kelly’s attorneys called the relationship between Avenatti and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, both of whom are also under investigation in separate matters, into question. According to TMZ, Kelly’s legal team highlighted the fact that Avenatti has been open about his conversations with Foxx, and based on the State Attorney’s controversial handling of Jussie Smollett’s case, Kelly’s team said Foxx is obviously “able to be influenced and wowed.” 

In fact, Kelly’s attorneys also claimed Foxx could have even been “bullied or just simply manipulated by Avenatti,” which prompted their request for all communication between Avenatti and Foxx to be preserved as possible evidence of inappropriate coordination and communication. However, according to the publication, the judge denied the request until the lawyers can explain the importance of the communications and its effects on the case. 

On the other hand, Avenatti maintains he has nothing to hide, especially since his text messages and emails were seized and published by the Chicago Tribune as part of the investigation into Foxx. According to the publication, the judge is still deciding on the details of the trial, including whether or not there will be a live feed inside the courtroom.

In the meantime, TMZ reports Kelly is now facing an indictment on sex trafficking allegations. According to the publication, a grand jury will convene later this month to look over the evidence, including witness testimony to prove Kelly organized travel and purchased plane tickets for underaged girls.