R. Kelly, the embattled singer currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for various sex crimes, is set to pay a significant sum in restitution to his victims. Thanks to a recent legal development, his victims will finally receive restitution checks totaling more than half a million dollars, sourced from his past musical successes.
Legal documents, obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, reveal that a judge has signed an order for garnishing R. Kelly’s royalties. Universal Music Group (UMG), the record label responsible for handling his music, is found to be in possession of a substantial amount of his royalties. The company will now issue a check to cover the outstanding restitution balance of $506,950.26.
The timing of this restitution payment comes amidst Kelly’s 20-year prison sentence for the multitude of sex crime charges he faced. Despite his current legal situation, his back catalog of music continues to generate substantial revenue. The revelation that UMG holds $567,444.19 in his royalties sheds light on the financial intricacies of his ongoing legal battles.
Kelly’s music career has been marred by controversies, but his past hits have remained lucrative. However, recent times have seen a decline in his musical endeavors. Back in December, some of his new music leaked before being swiftly taken down. Furthermore, in 2020, ahead of his trial, he was dropped from RCA and Sony music imprints, indicating a downturn in his music industry standing.
The restitution payment, funded by his royalties, underscores the financial implications of Kelly’s actions and the consequences he faces as a result of his convictions. While his past music contributions continue to generate revenue, the legal system is working to ensure that a portion of those earnings is directed towards compensating his victims.
As the legal proceedings unfold, R. Kelly’s financial situation remains a topic of interest, highlighting the intersection between his musical legacy and his criminal behavior. The restitution payment serves as a step towards addressing the aftermath of his actions and providing some form of closure for those affected by his crimes.
Written by
Derek Chan – Editor
