Fact Check: R. Kelly's lawyers claim he is the target of a murder plot.

Fact Check: R. Kelly's Lawyers Claim He is the Target of a Murder Plot

What We Know

R. Kelly's legal team has made serious allegations regarding his safety while incarcerated. According to reports, Kelly's attorney, Beau Brindley, has claimed that prison officials are attempting to kill him to cover up misconduct related to his case. In a recent court filing, Brindley stated that Kelly's life is in danger due to actions taken by the Bureau of Prisons, which he alleges provided Kelly with an overdose of medication that could have been fatal (CBS News).

Additionally, the filing includes claims that prison officials solicited another inmate to murder Kelly. This inmate, Mikeal Glenn Stine, reportedly stated that he was offered freedom in exchange for carrying out the murder. Stine, who is terminally ill, claimed that he was told that evidence would be mishandled to ensure no conviction would occur for the murder (Variety).

Kelly's health has also been a concern, as he was hospitalized for a suspected overdose and has been diagnosed with blood clots, which he alleges were exacerbated by the prison's medical staff (ABC7 Chicago).

Analysis

The claims made by R. Kelly's lawyers are based on serious allegations that, if true, would indicate a significant failure of the Bureau of Prisons to protect an inmate. The assertion that prison officials solicited an inmate to murder Kelly is particularly alarming and raises questions about the integrity of the prison system. The source of this claim, a sworn declaration from Stine, adds a layer of credibility, though it is essential to consider Stine's background as a member of the Aryan Brotherhood, which may introduce bias (Variety).

Federal prosecutors have dismissed Kelly's claims as "deeply unserious," suggesting that they view the allegations as lacking credible evidence (ABC7 Chicago). This response from the prosecution indicates a significant divide between Kelly's assertions and the official stance of the government.

Moreover, the context of Kelly's legal troubles—convictions for serious crimes including racketeering and sex trafficking—may influence public perception of his claims, potentially leading to skepticism regarding his motives (Forbes).

While the allegations are severe, the reliability of the sources and the motivations behind the claims must be critically assessed. The claims of a murder plot, while serious, come from a context where Kelly's credibility is already in question due to his criminal history.

Conclusion

The claim that R. Kelly's lawyers assert he is the target of a murder plot is True based on the available evidence. His lawyers have formally filed motions citing threats to his life and have provided specific allegations regarding misconduct by prison officials. However, the credibility of these claims is contested by federal prosecutors, and the context of Kelly's criminal background complicates the narrative. The situation remains fluid, and further investigation will be necessary to fully understand the implications of these allegations.

Fact Check: R. Kelly's lawyers claim he is the target of a murder plot.