R. Kelly claims that he was put on suicide watch as a form of punishment last week after a judge sentenced him to 30 years in prison for using his fame to molest young girls. However, federal authorities are disputing this claim.
R. Kelly placed on Suicide Watch for his safety
Following a psychological evaluation, the disgraced R&B superstar is still under suicide watch “for his own safety,” according to court documents released late Saturday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn.
Kelly’s lawyer filed a lawsuit on Friday, claiming that the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn put him on suicide watch “solely for punitive purposes and because of his reputation as a high-profile detainee.”
Kelly, the lawyer added, has not had any suicidal thoughts.
When Kelly, 55, learned that his punishment also included a $100,000 fine, he remained silent and showed no expression.
The multiplatinum-selling, Grammy-winning musician was convicted guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering last year.
He has maintained his innocence and intends to challenge his conviction.
