Pictured: a courtroom sketch of R. Kelly, who's federal trial for sex trafficking charges is set to begin on August 9
Disgraced R&B rapper R. Kelly says he cannot afford court transcripts as he prepares for trial, and has requested that the documents be provided to him for free.
The former music superstar, who's real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is set to begin his federal trial with jury selection in New York for sex trafficking on August 9, Insider reports.
'As the defense set forth during the conference, Mr. Kelly is financially unable to obtain the transcripts and the transcripts are necessary for his defense,' Kelly's attorney, Calvin Scholar, wrote in a letter to Judge Ann Donnelly,.
Kelly, 54, who was in court Tuesday for a pre-trial, is facing racketeering charges for allegedly running a criminal enterprise in which young women were kidnapped for sex trafficking.
At his peak, R. Kelly was worth upwards of $100 million, but had a net worth of negative $2 million as of last year, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Kelly (left) married fellow musical artist Aaliyah (right) when she was 15 years old
R. Kelly turns to leave after appearing at a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on September 17, 2019
Court transcript filings in New York State cost $25, United Process reports.
His lawyer is specifically asking for free transcripts of the jury selection.
On Thursday, his team also took the opportunity to read the court a letter, where his lawyer asked the judge for a new set of clothes for the singer, who they say has gained a considerable
