RAPPERY YOUNG JEEZY SEES WEAPON CHARGE DISMISSED

A felony weapons charge against platinum-selling rapper Young Jeezy has been dismissed after a prosecutor said there wasn't enough evidence to support the case.

Orange County Deputy District Attorney Renee Jones sought the dismissal during a court hearing Thursday (11 DEC. 2014) but declined to elaborate on what new information led to it.

Jeezy, whose real name is Jay Wayne Jenkins, and five others were arrested in August after authorities served a search warrant at the Verizon Amphitheatre in Irvine and found an AK-47.

Police were investigating the death of a man who was shot backstage at a concert Jeezy co-headlined with Wiz Khalifa days earlier at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. Jeezy and the other five, who included a tour bus driver and his wife, were never identified as suspects in the killing.

Jeezy and the others each pleaded not guilty to a single count of felony possession of an assault weapon.

The rapper did not attend Thursday's hearing but attacked his arrest and the filing of charges. "I pray this had nothing to do with race, but it definitely had nothing to do with evidence," Jeezy wrote.

He criticized what he called a rush to judgment by the media and police.

"I'm relieved that the truth has ultimately prevailed, and I would like to thank those who have always stood by me including my family and fans," Jeezy wrote.

Jones said the investigation into the shooting death of Eric Johnson, 38, is ongoing.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Robert C. Gannon granted the dismissal and said he would sign orders allowing Jeezy and his entourage to regain their passports and other property seized from them.

Jeezy's attorney Blair Berk said she was pleased the case was dropped but said the rapper should not have been arrested or charged.

No re-use or sale of any Film/TV/Music/Performance clips without clearance

Celebrity Footage

Los Angeles, Calif. - 8 February 2009

1.Young Jeezy on red carpet at 2009 Grammy Awards

Def Jam Recordings

2. Music video clip- 'Put On' Young Jeezy

AP Entertainment

New York, 25 August 2008

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Young Jeezy, Recording Artist on his new album 'The Recession':

"I think I came up with the name 'The Recession' like mid-stream into the album because when I looked at a lot of the songs I had like 'My President' and 'Crazy World,' I was just like maybe I'm paying too much attention to what's going on. And I didn't want my music to come out in a depressed, negative way. So I just kind of looked at what I had and I was like the rest of the songs I'm going to do are going to be those 'we shall overcome' like anthems; that were always made, but were more street. But now I want to make them for everybody; you don't even have to be from the street to know where I am coming from, even though that's what the music is intended for, I just want to put it into terms that everybody can get it."

Def Jam Recordings

4. Music video clip- 'Put On' Young Jeezy

Fashion designer and celebrity stylist L'Wren Scott is dead.

The 49-year-old's body was found in her Manhattan apartment on Monday, hanging from a doorknob.

A law enforcement official says no note was found and there is no sign of foul play.

Scott and Mick Jagger were a longtime couple. A spokesman for the Rolling Stones singer says Jagger is "completely shocked and devastated by the news."

Scott founded her own high-end clothing label in 2006 and recently created a more affordable line for Banana Republic.

On the red carpet, she styled big name stars like Oprah Winfrey, Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie.

Michael Weinfeld, The Associated Press.

SHOTLIST:

1. Pan to exterior of New York Criminal Courts

2. Close-up of Criminal courts building sign

3. Boy George arriving and entering court

4. Tilt down of New York Criminal Courts

5. Boy George surrounded by media leaving court

6. Boy George getting into SUV (sports utility vehicle)

7. SUV driving off

POP SINGER BOY GEORGE TO REVISIT REHAB IN PLEA BARGAIN

Former Culture Club lead singer Boy George, in a plea bargain deal that spared him possible jail time, agreed on Wednesday to enter a drug rehabilitation programme and perform community service to resolve his arrest last year on a cocaine charge.

The former pop star, whose real name is George O'Dowd, pleaded guilty to false reporting of an incident in Manhattan Criminal Court.

He only spoke to answer questions from Judge Anthony Ferrara with a simple "Yes."

Under the deal, O'Dowd will enter a drug programme in England and perform five days of community service in Manhattan.

He will pay a one thousand dollar fine (euros 839) and must avoid arrest on any charges over the next six months.

Boy George released a written statement saying he's relieved and happy the case is over. He says he loves New York and looks forward to "working in the states later this year."

He must return to court on June Ninth with written proof of his stay in a rehabilitation programme.

O'Dowd had a previous drug history, including a 1986 heroin possession arrest after two of his friends overdosed.

O'Dowd entered a rehab programme at that point.

His drug woes reportedly led to the collapse of Culture Club, which scored the hit singles "Karma Chameleon" and "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?"

O'Dowd was arrested on October Seventh, 2005, after he called 911 to report an alleged burglary in his Manhattan apartment.

Police responded to the apartment, but wound up arresting O'Dowd after a small pile of cocaine was found next to a computer.

SHOTLIST

AP Entertainment

New York, 4 June 2007

1. Wide Cameraman pan to Zac Posen

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Zac Posen, Designer:

"I don't care what she wears. I hope she's comfortable and I hope she has learned a lesson outside of jail. I feel very bad for her family. I think it is partially her drive that has caused her to this, but it is also the media."

3. Medium Nemcova tilt up

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Petra Nemcova, Model:

"In every thing there is a positive and negative in every experience to look at the positive things. Get strength from it and learn from it, and there's always something, even if there's 5% positive or 1% you should focus on that and that will get you through."

5. Camera cutaway

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Kors, Designer:

"I wish her well. What else can you say? I don't want to see anyone in the world have to unduly suffer so I hope everything is okay for her."

7. Medium Heidi Klum

8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Heidi Klum:

"To be honest I don't pay too much attention to all that stuff. I'm not so into the gossip magazines. I don't know I totally lost track of all that stuff. People just told me she was in jail. I didn't even know."

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Betsey Johnson, Designer:

"If a magazine came out and they weren't in it; then they would be in trouble. As long as they are in it, they are fine; I don't know that's just the way it is right now, and everything is in the extreme. Jail is an extreme too. (Q.Reporter - "do you have any advice for her when she comes out?") "Karma. I mean just go with it."

6. Medium Vanessa Williams

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vanessa Williams:

"She's a media darling so of course there is going to be attention no matter what she does, and this is a pretty major, major thing for her to happen at such a young age so, unlike Martha Stewart of course there's going to be people watching every aspect of what happens when you're incarcerated as a celebrity, so I think she's going to really mature through this whole thing and I'm sure it will change her permanently."

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Diddy:

"Just hold your head up and learn from the mistakes. Don't let nobody bring you down and may God bless you."

10. Medium Diddy tilt up

STARS WISH PARIS HILTON WELL FROM RED CARPET

As Paris Hilton swaps the party life for a jail sentence, stars enjoying the red carpet lifestyle she leaves behind gave their thoughts on her situation.

The 26-year-old hotel heiress checked into the Century Regional Detention Facility in suburban Los Angeles just after 11:30 p.m Sunday (0630 GMT Monday) to serve 23 days for violating probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.

Hilton surrendered after a surprise appearance earlier that day at the MTV Movie Awards, where she worked the red carpet in a strapless designer gown.

Stars at the CFDA Fashion awards Monday night hoped she would stay positive.

Model Petra Nemcova told AP Entertainment:

"In every thing there is a positive and negative in every experience to look at the positive things. Get strength from it and learn from it, and there's always something, even if there's 5% positive or 1% you should focus on that and that will get you through."

Designer Michael Kors added: "I wish her well. What else can you say? I don't want to see anyone have to unduly suffer so I hope everything is okay for her."

Diddy offered the heiress the advice: "Just hold your head up and learn from the mistakes. Don't let nobody bring you down and may God bless you."

Designer Zac Posen said her celebrity has not helped her situation:

"I hope she's comfortable and I hope she has learned a lesson outside of jail. I feel very bad for her family. I think it is partially her drive that has caused her to this, but it is also the media."

'Ugly Betty' star Vanessa Williams says a press frenzy was inevitable:

"She's a media darling so of course there is going to be attention no matter what she does, and this is a pretty major, major thing for her to happen at such a young age so, unlike Martha Stewart of course there's going to be people watching every aspect of what happens when you're incarcerated as a celebrity, so I think she's going to really mature through this whole thing and I'm sure it will change her permanently."

Designer Betsey Johnson/ Designer agrees.

"If a magazine came out and they weren't in it; then they would be in trouble. As long as they are in it, they are fine; I don't know that's just the way it is right now, and everything is in the extreme. Jail is an extreme too."

Johnson added some advice for when Hilton leaves jail: "Karma. I mean just go with it."

But the news of Hilton's sentence came as a surprise to Heidi Klum:

"To be honest I don't pay too much attention to all that stuff. I'm not so into the gossip magazines. I don't know I totally lost track of all that stuff. People just told me she was in jail. I didn't even know."

Hilton's lawyer said the heiress was doing well after spending her first night in solitary confinement.

"She's using this time to reflect on her life, to see what she can do to make the world better and hopefully, in my opinion, to change the attitudes that exist about her among many people," attorney Richard A. Hutton told reporters Monday after visiting Hilton.

Hilton will spend 23 days in a special unit at the women's facility in Lynwood.

Officers arrested Hilton in Hollywood on Sept. 7. In January, she pleaded no contest to the reckless-driving charge and was sentenced to 36 months of probation, alcohol education and $1,500 (US Dollars) in fines.

She was pulled over by California Highway Patrol on Jan. 15. Officers informed Hilton she was driving on a suspended license and she signed a document acknowledging she was not to drive.

She then was pulled over by sheriff's deputies on Feb. 27, at which time she was charged with violating probation.

SHOTLIST

TRUE DATE CREATED = 27/03/2009

AP Television

Atlanta, Georgia, 27 March 2009

1. Medium shot of T.I. (real name Clifford Harris) walking to podium for news conference after sentencing hearing

2. Wide shot, pan of cameras at news conference and Harris at podium

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Clifford Harris/Rapper:

"I have began to close this chapter in my life with, of course, the help and blessings of the US Attorneys and the courts of the US government. I would like to thank all that have helped me throughout my journey, along my journey, including my attorneys. All of the foundations and all of the organizations who have helped me align myself with people who can see to it that I carry out my wishes and my intentions to the best of my ability. Although I am not thrilled about my next year and day, I am pleased that I can begin the process of putting this all behind me."

4. Wide shot photographer taking picture of Harris

5. Close up Harris speaking

6. Medium shot Harris speaking from podium

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Clifford Harris/Rapper:

"I know for a fact that I've changed at least five lives, because these are the five or six people I keep in contact with. It's an honor for me to do so. I never looked at myself as a leader, or the leader of a generation. I just looked at myself as a celebrity or an entertainer. This experience has taught me that I have an ability to influence and impact millions of people. Young people, old people and people my age as well. So, I appreciate the opportunity."

8. Wide shot exterior of federal courthouse building

9. Close up sign on federal courthouse building

10. Close up, pan from Harris' hand resting on podium to face

11. Wide shot photographer taking picture of Harris

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Clifford Harris/Rapper:

"I think my judgement was altered due to a tragic situation and me living through a hostile attempt on my life. I lost sight of what was important. I had lost sight of the faith that I had in God and how far he'd brought me. I guess I resorted to taking matters into my own hands -- foolishly, to say the least."

13. Wide shot Harris and girlfriend walking from news conference and greeting supporters

STORYLINE

RAPPER T.I. SENTENCED

A judge sentenced Rapper T.I. to one year and a day behind bars on federal weapons charges on Friday (27MARCH09.)

The 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Clifford Harris, entered court smiling as he greeted his lawyers and family members. He wore a dark gray suit and black dress shirt and tie for sentencing.

"Today I would like to say thank you to some, and apologize to all," the rapper told U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. at the one and a half hour session, which was closed to television cameras.

Harris pleaded guilty last March after he was arrested in 2007, attempting to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers.

The arrest on Oct. 13 of that year occurred blocks from where he was to headline the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta hours later.

He will have between 30 and 60 days to report to prison.

Harris already has completed about 1,000 hours of community service and has warned youths about the pitfalls of guns, drugs, violence.

He will need to complete 470 additional hours.

"I never looked at myself as a leader, or the leader of a generation. I just looked at myself as a celebrity or an entertainer. This experience has taught me that I have an ability to influence and impact millions of people," Harris said.

At Friday's hearing, former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young spoke on Harris' behalf.

Harris had faced a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 (USD) fine for each count, until he cut a deal and pleaded guilty last March to the federal weapons charge and was sentenced to one year and a day in prison.

Ed Garland, one of his attorneys, said they are not sure where he will serve his sentence.

Upon his release, Harris is to be placed on three years of supervised release. He also will be credited for 305 days of home detention he already has served and must serve an additional 60 days, authorities said.

Harris agreed to community service to avoid a lengthy sentence. He already has made 262 public appearances as part of that deal.

Much of that work has been done with children.

Harris is one of the co-chief executives of Grand Hustle Records and one of Atlantic Records' most successful artists.

His sixth album, "Paper Trail," has sold nearly two million copies. It also charted two smash No. 1 songs, and a third with Justin Timberlake is near the top of the charts.

T.I. said fear was the reason he tried to buy the guns.

His best friend, Philant Johnson, was killed following a post-performance party in Cincinnati in 2006.

A man was found guilty last year in the murder case.

R. KELLY ACCUSED OF SOLICITING 17-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN MINNESOTA

A Minnesota prosecutor charged singer R. Kelly on Monday (5 AUGUST) with prostitution and solicitation for a 2001 allegation that he invited a 17-year-old girl to his hotel and paid her $200 to dance naked with him.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said Kelly, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is accused of soliciting the girl after meeting her before a concert in Minneapolis.

Freeman said the girl was trying to get an autograph from Kelly, and that the R&B performer gave her his signature and a phone number. When the girl called the number, she was invited to Kelly's hotel. There she was offered $200 to take off her clothes and dance, Freeman said. He said Kelly took his clothes off and they danced together.

The charges are felonies, each punishable by up to five years in prison. Freeman said his office investigated after getting a tip from a Chicago tip line.

"We felt we had more than enough to charge based on her testimony and corroboration from her brother," Freeman said.

Kelly's attorney Steve Greenberg tweeted: "Give me a break. This is beyond absurd." He did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.

Freeman did not provide a name for the alleged victim in Minneapolis.

Gloria Allred, the attorney for several of Kelly's accusers, said she also represents the newest woman to come forward.

"That's the fourth case against Mr. Kelly – the second state case, and there are two federal cases. So – I think in all of the decades that I've been practicing law, I've never seen so many prosecutions of one celebrity in different jurisdictions as I am now seeing in reference to R. Kelly," Allred said at a news conference in Los Angeles.

She was joined by Lizzette Martinez, who said she was targeted by the singer when she was 17 and was among the women featured in the documentary series "Surviving R. Kelly."

"You know, I never thought I would see this day. Many victims feel as though it's been a long time coming. We are seeing justice, like every day it's a new development. And I'm happy to see that all of us coming out wasn't in vain," Martinez said.

Monday's  charges are the latest legal problem for Kelly, who remains jailed in New York after pleading not guilty last week in federal court to charges that he sexually abused women and girls who attended his concerts there. He is accused of using his fame to recruit young women and girls into illegal sexual activity.

Kelly, 52, is also charged separately in Chicago with engaging in child pornography.

Minneapolis - 5 August 2019

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman:

"I'm here to announce that the Hennepin County Attorney's office has charged R. Kelly with two counts -- one of engaging in prostitution with an individual under 18 years of age, and one for hiring or offering to hire for sexual purposes with a person under 18."

2. Close attorney's office signage

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman:

"This event occurred in July of 2001. The victim was under 18 at the time. She was attempting to obtain an autograph from Mr. Kelly. He gave it to her. He also gave her a phone number and told her to call him. When she called him, she was directed to go to his hotel, where she was met with a member of his staff and ushered up to his hotel suite. After some discussion, she was offered $200 to take her clothes off and to dance before him."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman:

"You know, this kind of conduct -- particularly with juveniles -- is simply not acceptable in the state of Minnesota or frankly anywhere. She was a juvenile at the time. We have special laws to protect our juveniles, and we are going to enforce them."

5. Close attorney's office signage

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman:

"We felt we had more than enough to charge based on her testimony and the corroboration from her brother."

Los Angeles - 5 August 2019

7. Wide attorney Gloria Allred and alleged R. Kelly victim Lizzette Martinez enter press conference

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Gloria Allred, attorney:

"That's the fourth case against Mr. Kelly – the second state case, and there are two federal cases. So – I think in all of the decades that I've been practicing law, I've never seen so many prosecutions of one celebrity in different jurisdictions as I am now seeing in reference to R. Kelly."

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Lizzette Martinez, alleged R. Kelly victim:

"You know, I never thought I would see this day. Many victims feel as though it's been a long time coming. We are seeing justice, like every day it's a new development. And I'm happy to see that all of us coming out wasn't in vain."

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Lizzette Martinez, alleged R. Kelly victim:

"My name is Lizette Martinez. And I have survived many things in my life. Robert Kelly's indictment doesn't bring me happiness or joy. It does make me think of all the years of abuse that he chose to put upon women for over 25 years."

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Lizzette Martinez, alleged R. Kelly victim:

"Healing will take long, as the sounds run deep. And mine have been with me since I was a young girl at the age of 17 walking in the mall who just wanted to be someone. Unfortunately, I was prayed upon by Mr. Kelly and his enterprise. Healing is possible. I am strong. I lived it, I survived it. And now I seek justice."

SHOTLIST:

Havana - 12 September, 2007

1. Cuba's Minister of Culture Abel Prieto and book editors at conference room in International Press Centre:

2. Close up, book on table

3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Abel Prieto, Cuban Minister of Culture:

"It is truly unacceptable that a case of violation of elemental justice should be hidden from North American public opinion as well as much of the public opinion of the world. This is because the large media companies that form opinions and tell people what they should be concerned with, do not pay attention to this case and to this process and do not reflect it."

5. Audience

6. Close up, relatives of the Cuban Five

7. Close up box with new books

8. People receiving book

FILE - February, 2007

Havana

9. Various of roadside billboard with pictures of the Cuban Five and slogan (Spanish) "Freedom Now"

10. Various of book covers with pictures of the Cuban Five (MUTE)

Washington, DC - 12 September, 2007

11. Attorney for the five Cubans, Leonard Weinglass walking to podium

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Leonard Weinglass, Attorney for the Cuban Five:

"This, like the Pentagon Papers trial, is a case that reveals the untold story of the low intensity war, which Danny Glover referred to (in a video introduction) emanating from these shores against the country that is 90 miles away. A war that has lasted for more than 4 decades and of which the American public knows virtually nothing."

13. Audience

14. Reverse shot of Weinglass speaking

15. SOUNDBITE: (English) Leonard Weinglass, Attorney for the Cuban Five:

"Cuba protested each and everyone of those acts, it was introduced into evidence in the trial with the Five. The US did nothing. Cuba went to the UN and asked the UN to pass a resolution against terrorism, years before 9/11... It is still on the agenda of the UN. They haven't acted on it. And when finally nothing else would work, Cuba sent these five men to the United States."

FILE - February 2007

Havana

16. Olga Salanueva, wife of Rene Gonzalez (one of the Cuban Five) and daughter Ivette Gonzalez

17. Medium of the two looking at pictures

18. Medium of Rene Gonzalez in photograph with his daughters/pull out to medium

19. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Olga Salanueva, wife of Rene Gonzalez:

"I did not request a visa to reside in the United States. I know this is not possible anymore, plus we want to live in Cuba when he comes back when he is freed. But I think it is my right to visit him. It is the right of every prisoner to receive the visit of his wife, of his family. The family that we created together. "

20. Pan of billboard with names of Cuban Five

21. Medium of billboard (Spanish) reading "They Will Return"

STORYLINE:

Cuba's culture minister Abel Prieto appealed to world opinion on Wednesday to take up the case of five Cubans convicted on espionage charges in the US.

He called a news conference in Havana on Wednesday to launch a new book on the case of the Cuban Five, celebrated in their home country but little known in the rest of the world.

Fidel Castro's government sent Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labanino, Rene Gonzalez, Antonio Guerrero and Fernando Gonzalez to South Florida to gather information about anti-communist exile groups and send it back to the island using encrypted software, high-frequency radio transmissions and coded electronic phone messages.

Leonard Weinglass, attorney for the Five told a student audience in Washington DC that it followed terrorist attacks by anti-Castro Cuban exiles:

"Cuba protested each and everyone of those acts. The US did nothing. Cuba went to the UN and asked the UN to pass a resolution against terrorism, years before 9/11... It is still on the agenda of the UN. They haven't acted on it. And when finally nothing else would work, Cuba sent these five men to the United States", he said.

The book, compiled with writings from 17 Cuban authors with an epilogue by the President of Cuba's National Parliament, reveals what Weinglass called "the untold story of the low intensity war...emanating from these shores against the country that is 90 miles (140 kilometres) away."

Weinglass said the unfair treatment received by the Cuban Five in the United States' judicial system is part of "a war that is lasted more than four decades and of which the American public knows virtually nothing."

"It is truly unacceptable that a case of violation of elemental justice should be hidden from North American public opinion as well as much of the public opinion of the world", said Prieto during Wednesday's press conference.

Weinglass said the five men were trying to gather information that might prevent exile groups from waging more attacks, such as the bombings at Havana hotels that killed an Italian tourist in 1997.

The five were convicted of being unregistered foreign agents and three were found guilty of espionage conspiracy for failed efforts to obtain military secrets.

Hernandez was also convicted of murder conspiracy in the deaths of four Miami-based pilots whose small, private planes were shot down in February 1996 by a Cuban MiG in international waters off Cuba's northern coast.

They were sentenced to terms ranging from 10 years to life in December 2001, but the case has ping-ponged through the court system the last six years due to a round of appeals.

In August 2005, a three-judge panel of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta tossed out the verdicts, saying the five didn't receive a fair trial because of anti-Castro bias in Miami. But the convictions were reinstated exactly a year later by the full 11th Circuit.

Among the allegations of unfair treatment cited by the defence and various organisations that support their release, is the refusal to grant visas to the wives of two of the detained Cubans to visit their husbands during the nine years they have spent behind bars.

The US has denied visitor's visas to the wives of Rene Gonzalez and Gerardo Hernandez.

In February, Olga Salanueva, wife of Rene Gonzalez told AP Television "it is the right of every prisoner to receive a visit from his wife, of his family, the family that we created together."

"I think it is my right to visit him," she added

Although the five men's so-called "Wasp Network" spy ring recovered no US secrets, federal prosecutors argued for stiff penalties, saying they were well-trained spies who ran foul of federal law by failing to inform the government of their presence.

While serving their sentences, the men have become celebrities in their homeland. As Castro celebrated his 81st birthday last month, messages that the five hope to "celebrate all those future anniversaries together in our beautiful fatherland" were published in the Communist party newspaper.

The agents are currently seeking a new trial that they hope will overturn their prison sentences, which range from 15 years to life.

The book entitled "From the Loneliness and the Hope", (Spanish : "Desde La Soledad y La Esperanza") is accompanied by a music CD with compositions from ten Cuban musicians and composers.

A Pennsylvania man says he has turned a tape over to law enforcement that appears to feature R. Kelly sexually abusing girls.

The client, Gary Dennis, who is being represented by attorney Gloria Allred, said at a news conference in New York on Sunday that he doesn't know Kelly and doesn't know where the tape came from.

He says he came across it while cleaning out a collection he had for years.

He says a man who appears to be Kelly was on the recording engaged in sexual acts with young girls.

Kelly faces 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse in connection to three girls and one woman.

He has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty after being charged last month.

New York - March 10, 2019

1. Wide of news conference

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Gary Dennis, found alleged R. Kelly sexual abuse tape

"Recently, I came across a box of VHS tapes that I have had in my home for many years. I love sports, and I was searching through the box to see which old tapes and I wanted to keep and which ones I wanted to throw out. I noticed a sports tape, but it also had R. Kelly's name on it. I thought it was a recording of an R. Kelly concert. I watched the sports on the tape then continued to watch what I thought would be an R. Kelly concert. To my shock and surprise, R. Kelly appeared to be on the tape, but not in concert. Instead, he was sexually abusing under-age African-American girls."

++BLACK FRAMES++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Gary Dennis, found alleged R. Kelly sexual abuse tape

"As a parent, it is very disturbing to know that any adult, and I emphasize that again, any adult would engage in sexual acts with a child. There can be no justification for anyone to do what I saw on this tape. I can't get the memory out of my head. I just can't."

++BLACK FRAMES++

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Gary Dennis, found alleged R. Kelly sexual abuse tape

"It breaks my heart to see a celebrity whose music I used to love take advantage of children and harm them in this way."

++BLACK FRAMES++

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Gary Dennis, found alleged R. Kelly sexual abuse tape

"Unless we do the right thing and come forward with any of the tapes out there that are circulating, because there is some out there besides mine, turn them in immediately to law enforcement or Miss Allred and know that that's the right thing to do, so we could put an end to this filth that's out there in the world. I thank you for your time."

++BLACK FRAMES++

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Gloria Allred, attorney for owners of tape

"However such tapes may have come into your possession. We need you to turn over those tapes as soon as possible. Please do not destroy them or tamper with them. And please do not sell or circulate them. We urge you to do what Gary and Sally were wise enough to do."

++BLACK FRAMES++

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Gloria Allred, attorney for owners of tape

"Today we are not going to describe this specific abusive acts that appear on the tape because we believe that the specifics should only be discussed or described to law enforcement and in a court of law. It is fair to say, however, that no child should ever be subjected to the kind of abuse and degrading sexually predatory misconduct depicted on the tape."

8. Allred and clients leave

R. KELLY ACCUSED OF SOLICITING 17-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN MINNESOTA

A Minnesota prosecutor charged singer R. Kelly on Monday (5 AUGUST) with prostitution and solicitation for a 2001 allegation that he invited a 17-year-old girl to his hotel and paid her $200 to dance naked with him.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said Kelly, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is accused of soliciting the girl after meeting her before a concert in Minneapolis.

Freeman said the girl was trying to get an autograph from Kelly, and that the R&B performer gave her his signature and a phone number. When the girl called the number, she was invited to Kelly's hotel. There she was offered $200 to take off her clothes and dance, Freeman said. He said Kelly took his clothes off and they danced together.

The charges are felonies, each punishable by up to five years in prison. Freeman said his office investigated after getting a tip from a Chicago tip line.

"We felt we had more than enough to charge based on her testimony and corroboration from her brother," Freeman said.

Kelly's attorney Steve Greenberg tweeted: "Give me a break. This is beyond absurd." He did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.

Freeman did not provide a name for the alleged victim in Minneapolis.

Gloria Allred, the attorney for several of Kelly's accusers, said she also represents the newest woman to come forward.

"That's the fourth case against Mr. Kelly – the second state case, and there are two federal cases. So – I think in all of the decades that I've been practicing law, I've never seen so many prosecutions of one celebrity in different jurisdictions as I am now seeing in reference to R. Kelly," Allred said at a news conference in Los Angeles.

She was joined by Lizzette Martinez, who said she was targeted by the singer when she was 17 and was among the women featured in the documentary series "Surviving R. Kelly."

"You know, I never thought I would see this day. Many victims feel as though it's been a long time coming. We are seeing justice, like every day it's a new development. And I'm happy to see that all of us coming out wasn't in vain," Martinez said.

Monday's  charges are the latest legal problem for Kelly, who remains jailed in New York after pleading not guilty last week in federal court to charges that he sexually abused women and girls who attended his concerts there. He is accused of using his fame to recruit young women and girls into illegal sexual activity.

Kelly, 52, is also charged separately in Chicago with engaging in child pornography.

Minneapolis - 5 August 2019

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman:

"I'm here to announce that the Hennepin County Attorney's office has charged R. Kelly with two counts -- one of engaging in prostitution with an individual under 18 years of age, and one for hiring or offering to hire for sexual purposes with a person under 18."

2. Close attorney's office signage

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman:

"This event occurred in July of 2001. The victim was under 18 at the time. She was attempting to obtain an autograph from Mr. Kelly. He gave it to her. He also gave her a phone number and told her to call him. When she called him, she was directed to go to his hotel, where she was met with a member of his staff and ushered up to his hotel suite. After some discussion, she was offered $200 to take her clothes off and to dance before him."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman:

"You know, this kind of conduct -- particularly with juveniles -- is simply not acceptable in the state of Minnesota or frankly anywhere. She was a juvenile at the time. We have special laws to protect our juveniles, and we are going to enforce them."

5. Close attorney's office signage

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman:

"We felt we had more than enough to charge based on her testimony and the corroboration from her brother."

Los Angeles - 5 August 2019

7. Wide attorney Gloria Allred and alleged R. Kelly victim Lizzette Martinez enter press conference

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Gloria Allred, attorney:

"That's the fourth case against Mr. Kelly – the second state case, and there are two federal cases. So – I think in all of the decades that I've been practicing law, I've never seen so many prosecutions of one celebrity in different jurisdictions as I am now seeing in reference to R. Kelly."

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Lizzette Martinez, alleged R. Kelly victim:

"You know, I never thought I would see this day. Many victims feel as though it's been a long time coming. We are seeing justice, like every day it's a new development. And I'm happy to see that all of us coming out wasn't in vain."

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Lizzette Martinez, alleged R. Kelly victim:

"My name is Lizette Martinez. And I have survived many things in my life. Robert Kelly's indictment doesn't bring me happiness or joy. It does make me think of all the years of abuse that he chose to put upon women for over 25 years."

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Lizzette Martinez, alleged R. Kelly victim:

"Healing will take long, as the sounds run deep. And mine have been with me since I was a young girl at the age of 17 walking in the mall who just wanted to be someone. Unfortunately, I was prayed upon by Mr. Kelly and his enterprise. Healing is possible. I am strong. I lived it, I survived it. And now I seek justice."

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4220539

Celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti said Monday that R&B singer R. Kelly paid $2 million to keep the alleged victim in a child pornography case off the witness stand during his 2008 trial that ended with him acquitted of all charges.

R. Kelly bought his acquittal," Avenatti told reporters at a news conference in which he provided more details of what he said has been a years-long effort by Kelly to prevent his sexual abuse of several underage girls from becoming public.

He said Kelly paid at least one associate $100,000 to hunt down videos of him having sex with a minor that had gone missing.

Avenatti said he represents three alleged victims, three parents of victims, two associates of Kelly and one other person.

Avenatti's comments come just days after federal prosecutors announced they'd indicted Kelly in New York and Chicago on charges that he and his entourage recruited girls and young women to engage in illegal sexual activity and covered it up by paying and threatening witnesses and victims.

The 52-year-old Kelly was arrested and remains in federal custody. He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for a bond hearing, during which prosecutors are expected to argue that he should remain locked up because he is both dangerous and a flight risk. His attorney has denied the allegations.

Chicago - 15 July 2019

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Avenatti, attorney representing R. Kelly accusers:

"Mr. Kelly, through multiple means, had paid the young victim and her family over $2 million not to testify and come forward in connection with the 2008 trial. So to those R. Kelly fans who want to talk about the 2008 trial and the fact that he was acquitted, it was bogus. R. Kelly bought his acquittal. He bought this victim and their parents and ensured that the truth was never told to that jury in 2008."

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY WHITE FLASH++

Chicago - 15 July 2019

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Avenatti, attorney representing R. Kelly accusers:

"R. Kelly and those around him obstructed justice in connection with the 2008 trial. Those are some of the charges that he now faces, and I am highly confident that when all the evidence is heard that he will be convicted along with others around him of obstructing justice in connection with the 2008 trial."

Taylor Swift fans were hoping to glimpse the celebrity singer at a Denver federal court Tuesday (8 August) as her civil trial involving a groping allegation against a former DJ moves forward.

Three teenage Swift fans arrived well before dawn and said they'd scooped up tickets for seats inside the courtroom once jury selection is over.

Other fans stood in line as well, saying they supported Swift for speaking up. The DJ, David Mueller, says he is being falsely accused by Swift.

Both Swift and Mueller, are in Denver federal court Tuesday as a field of more than 30 people is winnowed down to an eight-person jury. They are sitting at two separate tables with their attorneys. Mueller's back is turned toward Swift just as it was on the opening day of the trial Monday.

The courtroom is closed to the public and news media during jury selection, which is expected to be finished by midday.

Mueller alleges Swift falsely accused him of groping her before a 2013 Denver concert and got him fired from his $150,000-a-year job from country station KYGO-FM. Swift countersued, claiming sexual assault.

Denver - 8 August 2017

1. Various of Taylor Swift fans standing in line for a courtroom seat to Mueller V. Swift federal civil trial describing their favorite songs

2. Fans with courtroom passes No. 1, 2, and 3

3. Various exteriors

4. Reporter asks fan what time she arrived at courthouse UPSOUND: (English) Grace Jarecke, No. 3 in line, Taylor Swift fan: "4:15 a.m.''

5. Various of fans with courtroom passes No. 1, 2, and 3

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Lucy Peterson, Swift fan, No. 2 in line:

"She didn't like throw it away in a corner like most people will because like she said, you kinda, it's embarrassing, you feel ashamed like it's your fault. No one should feel that way and I think for her it's really important so she knows that she's doing the right thing and it's so important for her fans to know that, if she can do this, then they can do this, too.''

7. Various of courthouse and security

8. Wide of line

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vega Zaringlee, 12, Taylor Swift fan:

"I love how she's suing him for $1 because she doesn't need the money but she wants to make it a point that women don't need to take this.''

10. Publicist Tree Paine (red hair) walking into the courthouse

11. Various of fans outside courthouse UPSOUND: Reporter: (English) "What if he really is telling the truth and was falsely accused?"

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ed Lee, in line with his daughter, Vega:

"As for me I do have an empty mind so unbiased from that standpoint, I mean If I were to say, ask me what I really think, the only way I could answer that question is if I were on the jury and I saw all the evidence.''

13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vega Zaringlee, 12, Taylor Swift fan:

"I don't like to think about it that way because I wouldn't think she would lie but I would be a little disappointed in maybe, her, a little bit? But I don't think she would do that.''

14. United States Courthouse exterior

15. Front view of fan line

16. SOUNDBITE: (English) Anthony Reyther, adult Taylor Swift fan:

"She's standing up for herself so I like that and I also do want to see her. I've never seen her in person before, I've never been to a show, I'd like to but this will have to hold me over until I get to see her live in concert.''

17. Fans walking into court

Taylor Swift fans are hoping to glimpse the celebrity singer at a Denver federal court Tuesday as her civil trial involving a groping allegation against a former DJ moves forward.

Three teenage Swift fans arrived well before dawn and said they'd scooped up tickets for seats inside the courtroom once jury selection is over.

Other fans stood in line as well, saying they supported Swift for speaking up. The DJ, David Mueller, says he is being falsely accused by Swift.

Both Swift and Mueller, are in Denver federal court Tuesday as a field of more than 30 people is winnowed down to an eight-person jury. They are sitting at two separate tables with their attorneys. Mueller's back is turned toward Swift just as it was on the opening day of the trial Monday.

The courtroom is closed to the public and news media during jury selection, which is expected to be finished by midday.

Mueller alleges Swift falsely accused him of groping her before a 2013 Denver concert and got him fired from his $150,000-a-year job from country station KYGO-FM. Swift countersued, claiming sexual assault.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Denver - 8 August 2017

1. Various of Taylor Swift fans standing in line for a courtroom seat to Mueller V. Swift federal civil trial describing their favorite songs

2. Fans with courtroom passes No. 1, 2, and 3

3. Various exteriors

4. Reporter asks fan what time she arrived at courthouse UPSOUND: (English) Grace Jarecke, No. 3 in line, Taylor Swift fan: "4:15 a.m.''

5. Various of fans with courtroom passes No. 1, 2, and 3

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Lucy Peterson, Swift fan, No. 2 in line:

"She didn't like throw it away in a corner like most people will because like she said, you kinda, it's embarrassing, you feel ashamed like it's your fault. No one should feel that way and I think for her it's really important so she knows that she's doing the right thing and it's so important for her fans to know that, if she can do this, then they can do this, too.''

7. Various of courthouse and security

8. Wide of line

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vega Zaringlee, 12, Taylor Swift fan:

"I love how she's suing him for $1 because she doesn't need the money but she wants to make it a point that women don't need to take this.''

10. Publicist Tree Paine (red hair) walking into the courthouse

11. Various of fans outside courthouse UPSOUND: Reporter: (English) "What if he really is telling the truth and was falsely accused?"

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ed Lee, in line with his daughter, Vega:

"As for me I do have an empty mind so unbiased from that standpoint, I mean If I were to say, ask me what I really think, the only way I could answer that question is if I were on the jury and I saw all the evidence.''

13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vega Zaringlee, 12, Taylor Swift fan:

"I don't like to think about it that way because I wouldn't think she would lie but I would be a little disappointed in maybe, her, a little bit? But I don't think she would do that.''

14. United States Courthouse exterior

15. Front view of fan line

16. SOUNDBITE: (English) Anthony Reyther, adult Taylor Swift fan:

"She's standing up for herself so I like that and I also do want to see her. I've never seen her in person before, I've never been to a show, I'd like to but this will have to hold me over until I get to see her live in concert.''

17. Fans walking into court

Celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti said Monday that R&B singer R. Kelly paid $2 million to keep the alleged victim in a child pornography case off the witness stand during his 2008 trial that ended with him acquitted of all charges.

R. Kelly bought his acquittal," Avenatti told reporters at a news conference in which he provided more details of what he said has been a years-long effort by Kelly to prevent his sexual abuse of several underage girls from becoming public.

He said Kelly paid at least one associate $100,000 to hunt down videos of him having sex with a minor that had gone missing.

Avenatti said he represents three alleged victims, three parents of victims, two associates of Kelly and one other person.

Avenatti's comments come just days after federal prosecutors announced they'd indicted Kelly in New York and Chicago on charges that he and his entourage recruited girls and young women to engage in illegal sexual activity and covered it up by paying and threatening witnesses and

victims.

The 52-year-old Kelly was arrested and remains in federal custody.

He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for a bond hearing, during which prosecutors are expected to argue that he should remain locked up because he is both dangerous and a flight risk. His attorney has denied the allegations.

Chicago - 26 June 2019

1. Still of R. Kelly leaving the criminal courthouse in Chicago after a status hearing

Chicago - 15 July 2019

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Avenatti, attorney representing R. Kelly accusers:

"R. Kelly and those around him obstructed justice in connection with the 2008 trial. Those are some of the charges that he now faces, and I am highly confident that when all the evidence is heard that he will be convicted along with others around him of obstructing justice in connection with the 2008 trial."

Chicago - 13 June 2008

3. Still photo of R. Kelly leaving the criminal courthouse after a jury found him not guilty

Chicago - 15 July 2019

4 SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Avenatti, attorney representing R. Kelly accusers:

"Mr Kelly also bragged to associate number one that he had dotted his eyes and crossed his t's, quote unquote, and that the young girl who was depicted in the videos and the young girl's family would not testify against him in connection with the trial, because he had relocated them and paid them off. It was subsequently learned that Mr. Kelly, through multiple means, had paid the young victim and her family over $2 million dollars not to testify and come forward in connection with the 2008 trial. So to those R. Kelly fans who want to talk about the 2008 trial and the fact that he was acquitted it was bogus. R. Kelly bought his acquittal. He bought this victim and their parents and ensured that the truth was never told to that jury in 2008."

Chicago - 2 June 2008

5. Still of R. Kelly returning to the criminal courthouse after a break in his 2008 trial.

Chicago - 15 July 2019

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Avenatti, attorney representing R. Kelly accusers:

"This is a case about young girls, many of whom came from rough neighborhoods, who were economically disadvantaged and were easily preyed upon by a guy who used his power and wealth and contacts to get away with it for almost 30 years."

Chicago - 13 June 2008

8. Still photo of R. Kelly leaving the criminal courthouse after a jury found him not guilty

Chicago - 15 July 2019

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Avenatti, attorney representing R. Kelly accusers:

"On one occasion Mr. Kelly and Mr. McDavid paid associate number one approximately $160,000 to $170,000 in cash contained inside a shopping bag. This was during the 2008 trial, and it was done to ensure that associate number one did not come forward and describe the obstruction of justice that had been carried out at the request of Mr. Kelly."

Chicago - 26 June 2019

10. Still of R. Kelly leaving the criminal courthouse in Chicago after a status hearing

Chicago - 15 July 2019

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Avenatti, attorney representing R. Kelly accusers:

"This process included interviews of multiple victims who described in great detail how they had been victimized and sexually assaulted by Robert Kelly when they were 14, 15 ,16 years of age. This took place with multiple federal agents present largely here in Chicago."

Chicago - 26 June 2019

12. Still of R. Kelly leaving the criminal courthouse in Chicago after a status hearing

TAYLOR SWIFT FANS SHOW SUPPORT AT CIVIL TRIAL

Taylor Swift fans are hoping to glimpse the celebrity singer at a Denver federal court Tuesday (8 AUG. 2017) as her civil trial involving a groping allegation against a former DJ moves forward.

Three teenage Swift fans arrived well before dawn and said they'd scooped up tickets for seats inside the courtroom once jury selection is over.

Other fans stood in line as well, saying they supported Swift for speaking up. The DJ, David Mueller, says he is being falsely accused by Swift.

Both Swift and Mueller, are in Denver federal court Tuesday as a field of more than 30 people is winnowed down to an eight-person jury. They are sitting at two separate tables with their attorneys. Mueller's back is turned toward Swift just as it was on the opening day of the trial Monday.

The courtroom is closed to the public and news media during jury selection, which is expected to be finished by midday.

Mueller alleges Swift falsely accused him of groping her before a 2013 Denver concert and got him fired from his $150,000-a-year job from country station KYGO-FM. Swift countersued, claiming sexual assault.

Denver - 8 August 2017

1. Various of Taylor Swift fans standing in line for a courtroom seat to Mueller V. Swift federal civil trial describing their favorite songs

2. Fans with courtroom passes No. 1, 2, and 3

3. Various exteriors

4. Reporter asks fan what time she arrived at courthouse UPSOUND: (English) Grace Jarecke, No. 3 in line, Taylor Swift fan: "4:15 a.m.''

5. Various of fans with courtroom passes No. 1, 2, and 3

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Lucy Peterson, Swift fan, No. 2 in line:

"She didn't like throw it away in a corner like most people will because like she said, you kinda, it's embarrassing, you feel ashamed like it's your fault. No one should feel that way and I think for her it's really important so she knows that she's doing the right thing and it's so important for her fans to know that, if she can do this, then they can do this, too.''

7. Various of courthouse and security

8. Wide of line

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Vega Zaringlee, 12, Taylor Swift fan:

"I love how she's suing him for $1 because she doesn't need the money but she wants to make it a point that women don't need to take this.''

10. Publicist Tree Paine (red hair) walking into the courthouse

11. Various of fans outside courthouse UPSOUND: Reporter: (English) "What if he really is telling the truth and was falsely accused?"

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Ed Lee, in line with his daughter, Vega:

"As for me I do have an empty mind so unbiased from that standpoint, I mean If I were to say, ask me what I really think, the only way I could answer that question is if I were on the jury and I saw all the evidence.''

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Vega Zaringlee, 12, Taylor Swift fan:

"I don't like to think about it that way because I wouldn't think she would lie but I would be a little disappointed in maybe, her, a little bit? But I don't think she would do that.''

14. United States Courthouse exterior

15. Front view of fan line

16. SOUNDBITE (English) Anthony Reyther, adult Taylor Swift fan:

"She's standing up for herself so I like that and I also do want to see her. I've never seen her in person before, I've never been to a show, I'd like to but this will have to hold me over until I get to see her live in concert.''

17. Fans walking into court

RALLY IN CENTRAL PARK TO PROTEST THE PAROLE OF JOHN LENNON'S KILLER

New York Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis held a news conference and a rally in New York Wednesday (15 AUG. 2018) to call on the state parole board to deny the release of John Lennon's killer, Mark David Chapman.

Chapman is scheduled to go before the parole board next week, in what will be his 10th attempt to win release.

The now 63-year-old Chapman is serving 20-years-to-life in the Wende (WEHN'-dee) Correctional Facility in western New York. He shot and killed the former Beatle outside his Manhattan apartment on Dec. 8, 1980.

The state Board of Parole last denied parole to Chapman two years ago.

In that decision, the board noted that Chapman has since described the murder as "selfish and evil." It determined that Chapman should remain behind bars, in part because of the premeditated and "celebrity-seeking" nature of the crime.

Malliotakis said fears that this time Chapman has a real chance at being released.

"The reason why I believe there's a possibility that he may be released is because if you look at the history just over the last six months by the most recent parole board, you are seeing murderers, dangerous criminals being released back onto our streets."

Fans who gathered at the rally support the idea that Chapman should stay behind bars.

"He's been given a free life in jail. He's not even been locked up properly," said Geoff Boswell. "His wife's been in and stays with him and God knows what. It's wrong. He hasn't even been put away properly. He should never see daylights again."

"I'm a huge fan of music and John Lennon and The Beatles, I grew up listening to their music. My dad's a radio DJ so I grew up knowing what good music sounds like and I think that it's just terrible that someone who killed a member of The Beatles is going to potentially be let out of prison. It's just horrible," added Alexandra Sherer.

A decision is expected within two weeks of Chapman's parole hearing.

New York, 15 August 2018

1. Wide of Strawberry Fields in Central Park

2. Man kneels down to pose for a photo

3. Wide of two women holding signs protesting release of Mark David Chapman

4. Wide of Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis speaking

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblywoman (R) New York:

"Many of you here are Beatles fans as I am, John Lennon fans as I am, and others of you are just visiting New York City and you're coming to one of my favorite spots which is Strawberry Fields, the Imagine circle which is a tribute to our beloved John Lennon who was murdered in 1980 just across the street."

6. Wide of the Dakota apartments

7. Wide of entrance to the Dakota apartments

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblywoman (R) New York:

"Everyone knows that his murderer Mark David Chapman, who plead guilty to second degree murder in 1981 and he's been in prison ever since and he's been up for parole - eligible for parole since the year 2000 and he's gone before the parole board nine times. He will go before the parole board for the 10th time and the reason why I believe there's a possibility that he may be released is because if you look at the history just over the last six months by the most recent parole board, you are seeing murderers, dangerous criminals being released back onto our streets."

9. Wide of young girl holding a sign that reads 'Keep Chapman Behind Bars'

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblywoman (R) New York:

"I'm here today to call on the New York State parole board to deny the release of Mark Chapman."

11. Wide of press conference

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblywoman (R) New York:

"Just to give you an idea of the impact he has on lives, million of lives across this world, I was born a month before John Lennon was murdered. I was one month old when John Lennon was murdered yet he has had a profound impact through his music and through his words on my life and I am a big fan of so many others. This is something that crosses generations, crosses cultures and so I'm glad to stand here with fellow fans who believe the same, that Mark Chapman should stay behind bars and so in my opinion, so should these other murderers who have taken the lives of cops, of children and of other human beings."

13. Wide of man playing guitar singing 'In My Life' by The Beatles

14. SOUNDBITE (English) Geoff Boswell, Vox Pop:

"Criminal. And the bloke's being, he's in jail. He's been given a free life in jail. He's not even been locked up properly. His wife's been in and stays with him and God knows what. It's wrong. He hasn't even been put away properly. He should never see daylights again."

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Alexandra Sherer, Vox Pop: "I'm a huge fan of music and John Lennon and The Beatles, I grew up listening to their music. My dad's a radio DJ so I grew up knowing what good music sounds like and I think that it's just terrible that someone who killed a member of The Beatles is going to potentially be let out of prison. It's just horrible."

16. Wide exterior of the Dakota apartments from across the street

SHOTLIST

(First Run 1630 Australia NZ Prime News, 28 February 2005)

POOL

1. Wide of Michael Jackson''s car pulling up to entrance of the courthouse

2. Interior of courthouse entrance with security waiting for Jackson''s arrival

3. Various of Jackson getting out of his car with his family and entourage as crowd outside of courthouse chants in support of and against Jackson, UPSOUND (English) "Innocent!" and "Those are my private parts!"

4. Jackson entering the courthouse with his mother and being checked by security

5. Prosecution attorneys arriving at court

APTN

6. Close up of plastic bin with number chips in them, pull out to courthouse officials calling out numbers for lottery for seats in the courthouse

7. Wide of fans standing staring at their number chips as numbers are called

8. Jackson fan walking towards courthouse officials after her number is called

9. Group of female fans celebrating after their numbers are called

10. Wide of exterior of courthouse

11. Religious figures outside of courthouse

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Bishop James Ellerby, Brotherhood of the Cross and Scythe and Jackson supporter:

"Even the place and the location, it''s all a concern. And the news media is already pronouncing that there''s no way that he''s going to get a fair trial. And all kinds of things that, it''s derogatory to our society, and if these things are pronounced before even the first day of the trial, it''s a reason to be concerned."

(First Run 1430 ME Europe Prime News, 28 February 2005)

APTN

++NIGHT SHOTS++

13. Wide of small gathering of fans outside of the courthouse

14. Jackson supporters huddling under umbrellas in the rain

15. SOUNDBITE: (English) Jeannette, Michael Jackson fan:

"Rain or shine, it could be thundering, it could be snowing, and I could come out here in a bikini, but, you know, we''re fighting this, and we''re ready for the vindication day so hopefully, it will last two weeks."

8. Wide of media centre

JACKSON ARRIVES IN COURT FOR START OF TRIAL

Michael Jackson arrived at court on Monday as lawyers for both the prosecution and the defence prepared to deliver their opening statements in California where the singer''s molestation trial is set to begin.

Jackson''s fans, some of whom had been waiting outside of the courthouse since early in the morning, screamed "Innocent!" as the pop star stepped out of his black car under a waiting umbrella to shield him from the rain.

Another person in the crowd shouted "Those are my private parts!" in support of Jackson''s accuser.

Later, fans waited for numbers to be called in a lottery for coveted seats in the courtroom to watch the proceedings.

Opening statements will preview the essence of the trial in which Jackson is accused of giving wine to a then-13-year-old cancer patient at Jackson''s Neverland Ranch and then touching him inappropriately.

The credibility of the now 15-year-old boy and his family will be a key element in the outcome of the trial.

The prosecution''s story depicts a poor family whose stricken son wanted to meet one of his idols. The child''s wish was granted, but the prosecution claims it turned into a nightmare of sexual abuse and imprisonment at Jackson''s fairy tale home 170 miles (275 kilometres) north of Los Angeles.

The defence narrative casts Jackson as the target of a money-hungry mother who coached her son to spin stories when it looked like their celebrity benefactor would cut them off. The defence will present evidence that the mother has sued others with claims of abuse.

Tom Sneddon, the Santa Barbara County district attorney, is expected to deliver the prosecution''s opening statement on Monday. Jackson''s team is headed by Thomas Mesereau Jr.

More than one-thousand members of the media from around the world have credentials to cover the trial and a large media centre has been set up to accommodate all of them.

Taylor Swift fans are hoping to glimpse the celebrity singer at a Denver federal court Tuesday as her civil trial involving a groping allegation against a former DJ moves forward.

Three teenage Swift fans arrived well before dawn and said they'd scooped up tickets for seats inside the courtroom once jury selection is over.

Other fans stood in line as well, saying they supported Swift for speaking up. The DJ, David Mueller, says he is being falsely accused by Swift.

Both Swift and Mueller, are in Denver federal court Tuesday as a field of more than 30 people is winnowed down to an eight-person jury. They are sitting at two separate tables with their attorneys. Mueller's back is turned toward Swift just as it was on the opening day of the trial Monday.

The courtroom is closed to the public and news media during jury selection, which is expected to be finished by midday.

Mueller alleges Swift falsely accused him of groping her before a 2013 Denver concert and got him fired from his $150,000-a-year job from country station KYGO-FM. Swift countersued, claiming sexual assault.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Denver - 8 August 2017

1. Various of Taylor Swift fans standing in line for a courtroom seat to Mueller V. Swift federal civil trial describing their favorite songs

2. Fans with courtroom passes No. 1, 2, and 3

3. Various exteriors

4. Reporter asks fan what time she arrived at courthouse UPSOUND: (English) Grace Jarecke, No. 3 in line, Taylor Swift fan: "4:15 a.m.''

5. Various of fans with courtroom passes No. 1, 2, and 3

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Lucy Peterson, Swift fan, No. 2 in line:

"She didn't like throw it away in a corner like most people will because like she said, you kinda, it's embarrassing, you feel ashamed like it's your fault. No one should feel that way and I think for her it's really important so she knows that she's doing the right thing and it's so important for her fans to know that, if she can do this, then they can do this, too.''

7. Various of courthouse and security

8. Wide of line

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vega Zaringlee, 12, Taylor Swift fan:

"I love how she's suing him for $1 because she doesn't need the money but she wants to make it a point that women don't need to take this.''

10. Publicist Tree Paine (red hair) walking into the courthouse

11. Various of fans outside courthouse UPSOUND: Reporter: (English) "What if he really is telling the truth and was falsely accused?"

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ed Lee, in line with his daughter, Vega:

"As for me I do have an empty mind so unbiased from that standpoint, I mean If I were to say, ask me what I really think, the only way I could answer that question is if I were on the jury and I saw all the evidence.''

13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vega Zaringlee, 12, Taylor Swift fan:

"I don't like to think about it that way because I wouldn't think she would lie but I would be a little disappointed in maybe, her, a little bit? But I don't think she would do that.''

14. United States Courthouse exterior

15. Front view of fan line

16. SOUNDBITE: (English) Anthony Reyther, adult Taylor Swift fan:

"She's standing up for herself so I like that and I also do want to see her. I've never seen her in person before, I've never been to a show, I'd like to but this will have to hold me over until I get to see her live in concert.''

17. Fans walking into court

SHOTLIST

AP Images

FILE: Santa Barbara - 28 September 2008

1. Still of Heather Locklear

AP Entertainment

FILE: Exact location unknown, US - August 2003

2. Heather Locklear talking to reporters

AP Entertainment

FILE: Los Angeles - April 2005

3. Heather Locklear and husband Richie Sambora talking to reporters

STORYLINE:

PAPARAZZI PHOTOGRAPHER WHO CALLED POLICE ON HEATHER LOCKLEAR CLAIMS 'CIVIC DUTY'

A photographer who called 911 to report Heather Locklear allegedly driving erratically runs a paparazzi agency and profited from images she took of the actress's subsequent arrest, the woman's attorney said Wednesday (1 OCT 2008).

But Nicholas Tepper, who represents photographer Jill Ishkanian, said in a written statement Wednesday that her phone call to authorities was motivated by "civic duty" and a concern for Locklear's safety.

He also defended Ishkanian's right to then take photos of the arrest, which took place on 27 September 2008.

"The fact she witnessed Ms. Locklear's erratic driving and reported it to the police did not mean she was disqualified from reporting the story, which she in fact did," Tepper wrote.

He said Ishkanian then sold the photos to celebrity gossip site TMZ for $27,000 - but did it through a third party, KM Press Group, because her standing in the industry has been damaged by a lawsuit against her former employer, US Weekly.

In its postings this week, TMZ questioned whether Ishkanian was "up to no good" and claimed she alerted fellow paparazzi to Locklear's impending arrest. TMZ head Harvey Levin said Wednesday that the owner of KM Press Group has repeatedly told him that one of the agency's photographers snapped the photos and that Ishkanian called to tip him off to Locklear's arrest.

Tepper said Ishkanian had been visiting family and friends in the Montecito area when she spotted Locklear's car driving erratically Saturday afternoon, called 911 and was advised by a CHP dispatcher to stop following the car.

But Levin said some of the pictures appear to be taken well before Locklear's arrest, and questioned Tepper's contention that Ishkanian just happened to run into her acting erratically at a market. At least one of the photos shows Locklear coming out of a shop.

Tepper initially said Ishkanian took all the photos after phoning authorities. But when pressed about the image of Locklear appearing to leave a store, he said he wasn't sure about the sequence that the photos were taken in, only that Ishkanian shot them all.

Levin said he did not consider the photos tainted. "Ultimately, these are photographs of an arrest."

The California Highway Patrol, which would not confirm the identity of the 911 caller, said she didn't identify that the driver was Locklear, but said the actress appeared "drunk" in a market. The CHP said in a news release that Locklear showed "obvious impairment," but alcohol has been ruled out.

Santa Barbara County prosecutors will have to decide whether to pursue charges after test results are returned that could show whether Locklear was under the influence of other substances.

CHP Lt. Dane Lobb said Wednesday that Ishkanian's involvement would not change what was going forward as a regular DUI investigation. "We determined (Locklear) was someone who shouldn't be operating a vehicle," he said.

Locklear's attorney, Blair Berk, did not return an e-mail message seeking comment Wednesday evening.

Tepper later said in an interview that Ishkanian also provided authorities with a statement and would testify against Locklear if necessary. He said Ishkanian sold the photos without disclosing that she was the shooter because of her $55 million lawsuit against US Weekly; that suit claims the magazine's employees damaged her career by accusing her of stealing information from company computers.

Federal agents later raided Ishkanian's home and business, but she has never been arrested or charged. Her lawsuit seeks damages for emotional distress, libel, slander, and conspiracy.

Tepper said Wednesday the US Weekly lawsuit has limited her business, claiming others in the industry refuse to use her material. The magazine is appealing a judge's ruling that refused to dismiss several of Ishkanian's claims.

US Weekly said through a spokesman Wednesday night that it had no comment.

After leaving the magazine, Ishkanian helped form Sunset Photo and News, a paparazzi and celebrity reporting agency.

Heather Locklear is a six-time Golden Globe nominated actress, famous for the roles in the American television shows including 'Dynasty' and 'Spin City' .

She was married to Motley Crue band member Tommy Lee until 1993 before divorcing and marrying Richie Sambora, guitarist for Bon Jovi. They divorced in 1997.

She has one daughter with Richie Sambora named Ava Elizabeth.

R. KELLY DUE IN CHICAGO COURT TO FACE SEX ABUSE CHARGES

R. Kelly, the R&B star who has been trailed for decades by allegations that he violated underage girls and women and held some as virtual slaves, is due in court Saturday (23 FEBRUARY 2019) after being charged with aggravated sexual abuse involving four victims, including at least three between the ages of 13 and 17.

In a brief appearance before reporters, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx on Friday announced the 10 counts against the 52-year-old Grammy winner, whose real name is Robert Kelly. She said the abuse dated back as far as 1998 and spanned more than a decade. She did not comment on the charges or take questions.

Kelly was driven to a Chicago police station in a dark colored van with heavily tinted rear windows around 8:15 p.m. Friday. He did not respond to questions from gathered reporters as he walked inside the building.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi tweeted a short time later that Kelly was under arrest. He was expected to be held overnight before an appearance Saturday in bond court.

Kelly's attorney, Steve Greenberg, told reporters following the singer's arrest that one of the charges he faces appears to be tied to a decade-old child pornography case.

"Double jeopardy should bar that case," Greenberg said. "He won that case."

Kelly, who was acquitted of child pornography charges in 2008, has consistently denied any sexual misconduct.

Greenberg said he thinks prosecutors rushed to judgment Friday in charging Kelly, calling the singer "an innocent man."

"Mr. Kelly is strong," Greenberg added. "He's got a lot of support and he's going to be vindicated on all these charges."

The arrest sets the stage for another #MeToo-era celebrity trial. Bill Cosby went to prison last year, and former Hollywood studio boss Harvey Weinstein is awaiting trial.

Best known for hits such as "I Believe I Can Fly," Kelly was charged a week after Michael Avenatti, the attorney whose clients have included porn star Stormy Daniels, said he gave prosecutors new video evidence of the singer with an underage girl.

At a news conference earlier Friday in Chicago, Avenatti said a 14-year-old girl seen with R. Kelly on the video is among four victims mentioned in the indictment. He said the footage shows two separate scenes on two separate days at Kelly's residence in the late 1990s.

During the video, both the victim and Kelly refer to her age 10 times, he said.

Avenatti said he represents six clients, including two victims, two parents and two people he describes as "knowing R. Kelly and being within his inner circle for the better part of 25 years."

"I don't know what the tape is," Greenberg said of the video Avenatti gave prosecutors. "We haven't seen it. No one's showed us the tape."

The new charges marked "a watershed moment," Avenatti said, adding that he believes more than 10 other people associated with Kelly should be charged as "enablers" for helping with the assaults, transporting minors and covering up evidence.

The video surfaced during a 10-month investigation by Avenatti's office. He told the AP that the person who provided the VHS tape knew both Kelly and the female in the video.

The jury in 2008 acquitted Kelly of child pornography charges that arose from a graphic video that prosecutors said showed him having sex with a girl as young as 13. He and the young woman allegedly seen with him denied they were in the 27-minute video, even though the picture quality was good and witnesses testified it was them, and she did not take the stand. Kelly could have gotten 15 years in prison.

Charging Kelly now for actions that occurred in the same time frame as the allegations from the 2008 trial suggests the accusers are cooperating this time and willing to testify.

Because the alleged victim 10 years ago denied that she was on the video and did not testify, the state's attorney office had little recourse except to charge the lesser offense under Illinois law, child pornography, which required a lower standard of evidence.

Each count of the new charges carries up to seven years in prison. If Kelly is convicted on all 10 counts, a judge could decide that the sentences run one after the other - making it possible for him to receive up to 70 years behind bars. Probation is also an option under the statute.

Greenberg said he offered to sit down with prosecutors before charges were filed to discuss why the allegations were "baseless." But they refused, he said.

"Unfortunately, they have succumbed to the court of public opinion, who've convicted him," he said.

Legally and professionally, the walls began closing in on Kelly after the release of a BBC documentary about him last year and the multipart Lifetime documentary "Surviving R. Kelly," which aired last month. Together they detailed allegations he was holding women against their will and running a "sex cult."

#MeToo activists and a social media movement using the hashtag #MuteRKelly called on streaming services to drop Kelly's music and promoters not to book any more concerts. Protesters demonstrated outside Kelly's Chicago studio.

As recently as Thursday, two women held a news conference in New York to describe how Kelly picked them out of a crowd at a Baltimore after-party in the mid-1990s when they were underage. They said Kelly had sex with one of the teens when she was under the influence of marijuana and alcohol and could not consent.

Latresa Scaff and Rochelle Washington were joined by lawyer Gloria Allred when they told their story publicly for the first time.

In the indictment, the prosecution addressed the question of the statute of limitations, saying that even abuse that happened more than two decades ago falls within the charging window allowed under Illinois law. Victims typically have 20 years to report abuse, beginning when they turn 18.

The singer and songwriter, whose legal name is Robert Kelly, rose from poverty on Chicago's South Side and has retained a sizable following. He has written numerous hits for himself and other artists, including Celine Dion, Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga. His collaborators have included Jay-Z and Usher.

Kelly broke into the R&B scene in 1993 with his first solo album, "12 Play," which produced such popular sex-themed songs as "Bump N' Grind" and "Your Body's Callin'."

Months after those successes, the then-27-year-old Kelly faced allegations he married 15-year-old Aaliyah, the R&B star who later died in a plane crash in the Bahamas. Kelly was the lead songwriter and producer of Aaliyah's 1994 debut album.

Kelly and Aaliyah never confirmed the marriage, though Vibe magazine published a copy of the purported marriage license. Court documents later obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times showed Aaliyah admitted lying about her age on the license.

Jim DeRogatis, a longtime music critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, played a key role in drawing the attention of law enforcement to Kelly. In 2002, he received the sex tape in the mail that was central to Kelly's 2008 trial. He turned it over to prosecutors. In 2017, DeRogatis wrote a story for BuzzFeed about the allegations Kelly was holding women against their will in Georgia.

Archive: Los Angeles, 24 November 2013

1. Medium of R. Kelly greeting reporter on arrivals line

2. SOUNDBITE (English) R. Kelly, recording artist - on performing with Lady Gaga at AMAs:

"It's an honor to be here performing on the stage with her first of all, for the second time. It's just unbelievable. I feel like I met my match."

Archive: Johannesburg, 19 June 2009

++4:3 MATERIAL++

3. Medium shot arrival of R. Kelly at Johannesburg airport, waving to the crowd

4. Close up of R. Kelly surrounded by security and waving to his fans

5. Wide shot R. Kelly standing and singing his song "I Believe I Can Fly" at press conference

Archive: Chicago, 9 May 2008

++4:3 MATERIAL++

6. Medium shot R. Kelly entering court

Archive: Chicago, 13 June 2008

++4:3 MATERIAL++

7. R. Kelly leaving courthouse with bodyguards

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: apus120383

Celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti said Monday that R&B singer R. Kelly paid $2 million to keep the alleged victim in a child pornography case off the witness stand during his 2008 trial that ended with him acquitted of all charges.

R. Kelly bought his acquittal," Avenatti told reporters at a news conference in which he provided more details of what he said has been a years-long effort by Kelly to prevent his sexual abuse of several underage girls from becoming public.

He said Kelly paid at least one associate $100,000 to hunt down videos of him having sex with a minor that had gone missing.

Avenatti said he represents three alleged victims, three parents of victims, two associates of Kelly and one other person.

Avenatti's comments come just days after federal prosecutors announced they'd indicted Kelly in New York and Chicago on charges that he and his entourage recruited girls and young women to engage in illegal sexual activity and covered it up by paying and threatening witnesses and

victims.

The 52-year-old Kelly was arrested and remains in federal custody. He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for a bond hearing, during which prosecutors are expected to argue that he should remain locked up because he is both dangerous and a flight risk. His attorney has denied the allegations.

Chicago - 15 July 2019

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Avenatti, attorney representing R. Kelly accusers:

"Mr. Kelly, through multiple means, had paid the young victim and her family over $2 million not to testify and come forward in connection with the 2008 trial. So to those R. Kelly fans who want to talk about the 2008 trial and the fact that he was acquitted, it was bogus. R. Kelly bought his acquittal. He bought this victim and their parents and ensured that the truth was never told to that jury in 2008."

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY WHITE FLASH++

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Avenatti, attorney representing R. Kelly accusers:

"R. Kelly and those around him obstructed justice in connection with the 2008 trial. Those are some of the charges that he now faces, and I am highly confident that when all the evidence is heard that he will be convicted along with others around him of obstructing justice in connection with the 2008 trial."