Two of R. Kelly’s girlfriends, Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary, have reportedly been raising funds to help his legal defense.
As TMZ reports, sources close to the alleged sex slaves have explained that they’re working to hire Thomas Mesereau, the attorney who worked with Michael Jackson on his child molestation trial in 2005.
Savage and Clary have been attempting to land a book deal as well, hoping to use the earnings to support Kelly. Sources have also indicated that both women have hired representatives in an attempt to secure paid interviews with media outlets. The two have been estranged from their families for quite some time, and Savage’s parents were featured in Surviving R. Kelly when they attempted to reconnect with her.
Beyond a hopeful publishing arrangement, Savage and Clary have been attempting to do paid interviews with media outlets.
So far it would appear as though neither Savage or Clary have had much luck in a book deal or kickstarting potential Hollywood acting careers. R. Kelly first expressed interest in hiring Mesereau earlier this month, but as TMZ reported at the time, he was unable to secure the funds necessary. Mesereau famously got a not guilty verdict for both Jackson and actor Robert Blake, who was accused of murdering his wife Bonnie Lee Bakley in 2001.
As Kelly’s time in court continues, the Blast reports that Kelly’s secret marriage to Aaliyah when she was underage is set to be used as evidence in court by prosecutors. The disgraced Chicago singer is facing 18 counts for serious alleged sexual crimes, including child pornography, against at least 10 victims.