Chicago political reporter Mary Ann Ahern told Hill.TV’s “Rising” on Tuesday that R&B artist and Chicago native R. Kelly, who faces numerous sexual abuse allegations, still maintains a strong network of support in his home town.
“Oh for sure,” Ahern, a reporter at NBC5 in Chicago, told hosts Krystal Ball and Buck Sexton when asked whether the musician still has support amid the accusations.
{mosads}”I’d have to double check this, but one of the Chicago Tribune court reporters has posted that the woman who gave his bond owns a restaurant in the suburbs and is a big supporter,” she continued.
Chicago Tribune reporter Will Lee tweeted over the weekend that a court clerk said their offices were receiving calls from female supporters of the artist, wanting to know how they could post his bail for him.
And #bondcourt is over folks. Sadly no stories, but we’ll keep checking on whether #RKelly posts bail today. But have a great Sunday. ✌
— Will Lee (@MidnoirCowboy) February 24, 2019
The Independent also reported that more than 45 GoFundMe accounts have been launched in an effort to “free R. Kelly.”
Kelly pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse Monday. He has been released on bail. His next court hearing is scheduled for March 22.
Chicago Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr. set Kelly’s bail at $1 million on Saturday and Kelly spent the weekend in jail because he was unable to pay it.
His bail was posted on Monday and Kelly visited a McDonald’s, where Ahern said there were fans waiting.
“People were asking for his autograph as he stopped at a McDonalds last night,” she said.
— Julia Manchester
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