Judge says R. Kelly’s lawyers have week to answer lawsuit

Musician R. Kelly departs the Leighton Criminal Court building after pleading not guilty to 11 additional sex-related charges on Thursday, June 6, 2019, in Chicago. Image: AP/Amr Alfiky

Attorneys for R. Kelly have one week to respond to a lawsuit alleging sex abuse or face losing the case.

Kelly’s attorneys sought to put the lawsuit on hold while the singer fights sex-related felony charges. Associate Judge Moira Johnson agreed with lawyers for the woman who filed the lawsuit that Kelly needs to file an answer to the litigation on June 19. Kelly did not attend the hearing.

Johnson gave Kelly’s lawyers until Wednesday, June 26 to respond to the lawsuit in Cook County.

After the hearing, the attorneys for the woman said they expect the lawsuit will be delayed while the criminal case proceeds. However, they said it was improper for Kelly’s attorneys to seek a delay before acknowledging the lawsuit.

The woman who brought the lawsuit is one of four women Kelly is charged with sexually abusing. HM/NVG

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