R. Kelly's Child Porn Trial Begins

Jury selection has begun in the trial of R&B star R. Kelly on 14 charges of child pornography related to him videotaping himself having sex with minors. Before jury selection began, Cook County Circuit Judge Vincent Gaughan turned down a motion by the defense to delay the trial, which has already been delayed numerous times in the past 10 years.

The case against R. Kelly has been surrounded in controversy, much of which involves the media not being able to access public records associated with the case. As jury selection began last week, reporters were not allowed in the courtroom as Judge Gaughan read the 14 charges against Kelly, further infuriating the press.

Many of the trial proceedings and filings have been kept secret by Judge Gaughan. Attorneys for the media have filed a motion to unseal many court records and hearing transcripts. Judge Gaughan said he would rule on that motion May 16.

Victim Not Cooperating

Most of the charges involve around a videotape of R. Kelly having sex with a girl the prosecution claims was only 13 years old at the time -- sometime between Jan. 1, 1998, and Nov. 1 2000.

The prosecution may face an up-hill battle convicting Kelly because the victim in the videotape, who is now 23 years old, claims it's not her. Meanwhile, Kelly's attorneys have not admitted that it is him in the tape.

Judge Gaughan has ruled the tape can be shown in open court during the trial.

See Also:
Jury Selection Begins in R. Kelly's Child Pornography Trial

Background:
R. Kelly's Arrest and Mug Shot

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