Following charges of fraud and extortion against Michael Avenatti, R. Kellys legal team filed a motion seeking all communication between the celebrity lawyer who represents two of Kellys alleged victims and the Cook County State Attorneys Office.
In the motion, filed Monday, Kellys lawyer Steve Greenberg argued that prosecutors, namely States Attorney Kim Foxx, relied too heavily on evidence presented by Avenatti in order to secure the sexual abuse charges against Kelly.
Greenberg also questioned, given Avenattis current predicament, the authenticity of the allegations Avenatti brought to prosecutors. The case laid dormant till Mr. Avenatti joined in. Then it was miraculously resurrected, although nothing had changed, Greenberg wrote in the motion. Fifteen years later. This is unheard of.
Greenberg continued, From (evidence) that has been tendered it appears that the only investigation done before these charges were brought (in 3 of the 4 cases) was a States Attorney investigator reading old reports, an interview with a Michael Avenatti client, and the prosecutors speaking with Avenatti. The lack of any meaningful investigation of these stale allegations is outrageous.
Michael Avenatti Arrested After Alleged Extortion Attempt Against NikeDubai Government Denies R. Kelly's Claim of Booked Concerts50 Country Albums Every Rock Fan Should OwnWar of the Crowes
The motion also weaved in the controversial dropping of felony charges against Jussie Smollett, with Greenberg questioning whether Foxx was influenced and wowed by Smolletts lawyer Mark Geragos; that lawyer is reportedly a co-conspirator in the Nike extortion charges filed against Avenatti.
Here there are serious questions whether these attorneys influenced their clients and the narrative. There are serious questions whether Kim Foxx was bullied or just simply manipulated by Avenatti and others, Greenberg wrote. The communications are key to uncovering answers.
Avenatti responded to Greenbergs motion in a series of tweets: Steve Greenberg, R Kellys atty, is now trying to distract attention away from the clear guilt of his client by raising bogus arguments about me and Kim Foxx. The evidence is the evidence. Multiple witnesses/tapes, plus DNA. R Kelly will be convicted for his sexual abuse of girls. Steve Greenberg, R Kellys atty, is now trying to distract attention away from the clear guilt of his client by raising bogus arguments about me and Kim Foxx. The evidence is the evidence. Multiple witnesses/tapes, plus DNA. R Kelly will be convicted for his sexual abuse of girls. The only thing that has polluted the R. Kelly case is Steve Greenberg and R. Kellys never ending bullshit.
A hearing regarding Greenbergs motion was set for May 7th. At Mondays hearing, Greenberg also, for the time being, withdrew Kellys travel request to perform Dubai concerts, following reports that the sheikdom did not invite the singer to the U.A.E.
Greenberg, Avenatti and the Cook County State Attorneys Office did not respond to Rolling Stones request for comment at press time.