R Kelly has appeared in court to plead not guilty to 11 charges of sexual abuse, including four counts that carry a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.

The singer stood with his hands folded in front of him during the short hearing at Cook County court in Chicago.

After the appearance on Thursday, his defence attorney Steve Greenberg said: "It's tough. Everything is against him."

Image: The singer appeared in court in Chicago

The new charges come on top of the 10 counts Kelly was originally charged with in February, but relate to one of the same women.

They include four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, which carry the maximum 30-year sentence.

Advertisement

When Judge Lawrence Flood asked if the singer understood the charges, he replied: "Yes, sir."

He then left the court without speaking to reporters.

More from Ents & Arts

Singer R. Kelly leaves the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on June 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The singer appeared in front of a judge to face new charges of criminal sexual abuse. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
Image: Kelly's spokesman told reporters that the singer is 'upbeat'

Mr Greenberg said afterwards that he did not want to speculate as to why prosecutors brought the new charges.

"Read More – Source

[contf] [contfnew]

Sky News

[contfnewc] [contfnewc]

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR