Music Journalist Refuses To Testify In R. Kelly Trial After His House Was Shot Up

The long-running R. Kelly sexual assault scandal is still ongoing. Recently, a music journalist refused to testify in R. Kelly’s trial after his house was shot at.

Jim DeRogatis, a music writer, is contesting an attempt to compel him to testify in R. Kelly’s child pornography trial. According to a court document, the music journalist who turned over a video, he was shown that helped police develop the 2008 case against the R&B singer has been summoned to testify.

Kelly is presently facing allegations of soliciting kids for sex in this federal trial, which also seeks to reopen a 2008 trial in which the singer was cleared of child pornography charges, according to Billboard.

DeRogatis, the author of “Soulless: The Case Against R Kelly,” was compelled to testify by lawyers for Kelly’s business manager Derrel McDavid, who is currently accused of conspiracy to rig Kelly’s 2008 child pornography trial.

Lawyers for DeRogatis argued that the writer did not need to testify because of constitutional and other press safeguards. They contended that calling the critic to testify could amount to “harassment or intimidation,” considering that the same facts DeRogatis can provide can be used in other ways.

They also referenced rumors that a window in the DeRogatis family’s home was blasted out after his newspaper published Kelly’s story. The reporter testified at Kelly’s 2008 trial but declined to answer questions, claiming an Illinois law that protects reporters’ rights as well as the First Amendment’s free press and protection against self-incrimination.

Let’s see what happens next since the journalist has declined to testify. With each trial, the case seemed to become more convoluted. What are your thoughts on the case? Let us know in the comments. Keep an eye on Thirsty for updates.

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