R. Kelly Trial Moves Forward With Jury Selection
Chicago-area reporter and author Natalie Y. Moore is one of only a few reporters able to give an account of proceedings from inside the R. Kelly child pornography trial. She stepped out of the courtroom this afternoon to brief ESSENCE on jury selection
By Natalie Y. Moore

r.kelly
Credit: AP Images

A cornrowed R. Kelly kept his head down during most of a second day as the judge questioned jurors. He sometimes looked stoic as he sat with his high-profile attorneys.

A mystery woman who sat in the back of the courtroom yesterday returned today while Kelly was in the jury room. I had seen the woman in the courtroom before, sporting a ponytail and carrying a Bible. I have a strong feeling she and Kelly know each other, but I didn't dare approach her because the court decorum prohibits reporters from conducting interviews. Earlier today a reporter was kicked out for approaching someone. The rules inside are strict. Outside the courtroom, the large crowds of fans and protestors that had cheered and glared at Kelly on Friday were not around today.

Jury selection continued, with one potential juror stating that he was giving plenty of thought to child pornography. He said, “Sometimes the age difference can get muddy when it comes to what's right or wrong, like when they are in love.” He later wrote in a jury questionnaire: “I assumed he is guilty or why would the state bother.” That same juror promised he could be fair to both sides.

Things were moving fast today. Attorneys chose three jurors yesterday and went through more than six today. Stay tuned.

Moore is a reporter for Chicago public radio and coauthor of the popular book Deconstructing Tyrone: A New Look at Black Masculinity in the Hip-Hop Generation. She also wrote the profile on Kelly’s wife, Andrea. The story appeared in the June 2007 issue.

What are your thoughts on the case? Share them below.

RELATED LINKS:

Read the full indictment sealed since 2002 »

R. Kelly courtroom drama begins »

PHOTOS: Andrea and R. Kelly »

The State Attorney's Office and Judge Mathis Discuss the Case»

R.Kelly's wife Andrea discusses the case and the tape »





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-5 latest comments

When is everyone going to wake up a realize that what he did was wrong. I saw the tape several times. I do not see how he can say that it was not him, he positioned the camera and his face was all in it. What ever happened to a fast and speedy trial. I believe the only reason that this has been going on so long is because he is well known. I know for a fact that if it was just the average hard working black man, he would already be sitting in jail with a revoked bond.

-A.N.W. Charlotte

I was just asking in the salon yesterday, When is he going to JAIL!!!

-Tana Montgomery (seattle)

Michael Vick was tried and convicted before you could blink an eye. Are we telling people that a dog's life is more important that a girl's life. Come on BLACK PEOPLE. R. Kelly is not a martyr stop picketing at his trial get more invested in your community and your children. If he was not R. Kelly would you be out supporting another child molester, because that is what he is. Wake Up People.

-Nicole, Wisconsin

Yes he is R. Kelly Yes he is the top man for R&B if you put R. Kelly on a track it will be a hit, but he is still accused of a crime. If you have seen the tape which by now we have all seen the tape there is no denying that is him on the tape. What makesme upset is the fact of how long it has taken for this trial to take place. I believe if he was just joe schmoe on the street he would have been tried an convicted by now. Why are celebrities allowed to get away with crimes. Why has it taken the justice system so long to str

-Nicole, Wisconsin

If you have a wrong time believing that what R.Kelly did was wrong...imagine your own 13 year old daughter, sister or niece. Wrong is wrong regardless of who it is. We have to reach a point where we do not support the evil in this world. There are too many women out there of legal age for his to play with. Heck, play with his wife. Speaking of which, in that interview she gave...gave one the impression she felt he did it; even though she was standing behind him. I bet he bring her out in the open now... while he is in cou

-debbie