R&B superstar R Kelly's decade long trial over accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse, finally came to end after a New York jury found him guilty on Monday, sentencing him 20 years in prison.
R Kelly was found guilty of systematically recruiting women and teenagers for sex, before grooming and brutally abusing them.
The most serious charge against Kelly was of racketeering, which includes 14 underlying acts like kidnapping, forced labor, sex trafficking and bribery. Lurid testimony provided by victims also included accusations of rape, druggings, imprisonment and child pornography. Kelly was also charged with eight counts of violating the Mann Act. an anti-sex trafficking law.
Even if he is acquitted in New York, Kelly still faces prosecution in three other jurisdictions, including Illinois federal court.
This high profile case though not a public trial, is being considered a landmark moment in the #MeToo movement as it sends an important message about the voices that matter.
One of the 1990s' brightest stars whose hits included "I Believe I Can Fly," the disgraced Kelly was long trailed by abuse allegations, but evaded them for decades.