SKIPPING TOWN?

R. Kelly to Judge: Let Me Travel to Dubai for Concerts to Escape Backlash in U.S.

The singer reportedly wants to perform at “three to five concerts in Dubai” and says he has struggled to find work in the U.S.

Singer R. Kelly has reportedly asked a judge to let him travel to the Middle East to perform in several concerts, claiming he has had trouble landing work in the U.S. after being hit with sex-abuse charges. The Associated Press reports that Kelly said he would perform “three to five concerts in Dubai” in a defense filing Wednesday, but he did not specify which venues he would perform in and how much he would earn. The filing reportedly said Kelly has “struggled” to pay for his legal fees, child support, and other bills after the cancellation of his Illinois concerts and record deal, along with the removal of his songs from streaming services. The defense filing also claimed the United Arab Emirates would not “jeopardize” its relationship with the U.S. by harboring the singer if he wanted to escape the American justice system. The singer was released on bond after being charged with sex abuse charges, and is mandated to say in Illinois unless a judge approves outside travel. According to the AP, Kelly's next court date is set for Friday.

‘IT’S OVER’

R. Kelly Surrenders to Face Underage Sex-Assault Charges

Pilar Melendez