In a recent legal development, six survivors of R. Kelly's abuse have filed a lawsuit against the disgraced singer, claiming he owes them over $9.9 million from a 2022 judgment. The plaintiffs—Lizette Martinez, Lisa Van Allen, Kelly Rodgers, Faith Rodgers, Roderick Gartell, and Gem Pratts—were collectively awarded $10.3 million in damages but assert they've received less than $500,000 to date.
The original judgment, issued in August 2023, ordered Kelly to pay $5.1 million in compensatory damages and $4.5 million in punitive damages, with an additional daily interest of $2,450.30. Despite this, the majority of the awarded funds remain unpaid. The lawsuit also names Universal Music, its subsidiary Universal Music-Z Tunes, revenue-sharing platform IndyBuild, and Kelly's former manager, Donnell Russell, alleging their involvement in the non-payment.
The plaintiffs, who shared their experiences in the "Surviving R. Kelly" docuseries, claim that Universal Music, despite ending its co-publishing agreement with Kelly in 2019, is still contractually obligated to collect and remit royalties from his past works. They argue that these funds should be directed to satisfy the judgment.
R. Kelly's attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, has criticized the judgment, stating it was entered without Kelly's knowledge while he was incarcerated. She contends that the decision was made contrary to court rules and legal precedent, emphasizing that an appeal is pending on this issue.
Currently, R. Kelly is serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking, along with a 20-year sentence for child pornography and enticement of minors. He won't be eligible for release until 2045.
This lawsuit underscores the ongoing challenges survivors face in seeking justice and compensation, even after favorable court rulings. It also highlights the complexities involved in holding not only the perpetrators but also associated entities accountable for their roles in such cases.