Fact Check: "Prison staff allegedly told R. Kelly, 'This is going to open a new can of worms.'"
What We Know
R. Kelly, the disgraced rapper currently serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering and trafficking minors, was hospitalized after reportedly overdosing on medication while in solitary confinement at the Federal Correctional Institute in Butner, North Carolina. His legal team claims that he was forced to take dangerously high doses of anxiety medication, leading to a medical emergency that left him unconscious. According to court filings, before losing consciousness, Kelly allegedly warned a prison staff member, stating, "This is going to open a new can of worms" (source). This statement has raised concerns about the conditions of his confinement and the treatment he is receiving from prison staff.
Analysis
The claim that R. Kelly said, "This is going to open a new can of worms," appears to be substantiated by the reports from his legal team, which detail the circumstances surrounding his overdose and subsequent hospitalization. The context of the statement suggests that Kelly may have been implying that his situation could lead to further legal or administrative scrutiny regarding his treatment in prison.
The reliability of the source reporting this claim, which is from Bored Panda, is moderate. While it provides a detailed account of the events leading up to Kelly's hospitalization, it is essential to note that the information primarily comes from Kelly's legal team, which may have a vested interest in portraying the situation in a particular light. The Bureau of Prisons has declined to comment on the matter, citing "pending litigation," which further complicates the verification of the claims made by Kelly's representatives (source).
Additionally, the broader context of Kelly's incarceration—his conviction for serious crimes against minors—adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Given the nature of his offenses, there may be heightened tensions and potential for conflict within the prison environment, which could influence how staff interact with him.
Conclusion
The claim that R. Kelly stated, "This is going to open a new can of worms," is True based on the available evidence. His legal team's assertions about the circumstances of his overdose and the context in which the statement was made support this conclusion. However, the reliability of the information hinges on the motivations of the sources involved, particularly given the contentious nature of Kelly's legal situation.
Sources
- Disgraced Rapper R Kelly Overdoses In Prison In Alleged Assassination Plot (https://www.boredpanda.com/disgraced-rapper-r-kelly-rushed-to-hospital-od-prison/)
