R. Kelly’s Racketeering, Mann Act Convictions Upheld on Appeal

Recording artist and convicted sex offender Robert Kelly—better known by his stage name “R. Kelly"—lost an appeal to undo his convictions for racketeering and sex-trafficking on Wednesday.

There was ample evidence to support the jury’s verdict, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit said in an 87-page decision detailing the government’s evidence.

It showed that Kelly, enabled by managers and staff, exploited his fame and industry clout “to lure girls and young women into his grasp,” Judge Denny Chin said. The record showed Kelly “would isolate them from friends and family, control nearly every aspect of their lives, ...