Disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly is facing fresh legal troubles as six alleged victims have filed a new lawsuit, claiming he has failed to pay most of a $10.3 million judgment awarded against him in 2023.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the victims—Lizette Martinez, Lisa Van Allen, Kelly Rogers, Faith Rogers, Roderick Gartrell, and Gem Pratts—allege that they have received less than $500,000 collectively, leaving over $9.9 million unpaid.
The Case: A Fallout from “Surviving R. Kelly”
The lawsuit stems from allegations that Kelly and Universal Music shut down a screening of the Lifetime docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly” in 2018. The docuseries featured survivors sharing their stories of abuse and exploitation by the now-imprisoned singer.
In August 2023, a court ruled in favor of the victims, ordering Kelly and his former record label, Universal Music, to pay them $10.3 million in damages. However, Kelly has since contested the judgment, claiming he was unaware of the case and should not be held responsible.
Kelly’s Legal Team Responds
Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, told TMZ that the default judgment was entered before she joined his legal team, and she confirmed that an appeal is currently pending.
Meanwhile, with Kelly serving a 30-year prison sentence for sex crimes, questions remain over whether his victims will ever receive full compensation. Despite receiving partial payments, the six victims insist they are entitled to the remaining millions.
Mounting Legal and Financial Woes
This lawsuit adds to R. Kelly’s growing legal and financial troubles as his victims continue to pursue justice. With his assets already under scrutiny and his earning potential severely limited, it remains unclear how or if they will recover the money owed to them.
