Two lawyers representing R. Kelly have asked to be taken off the rapper's sex trafficking case just two months before it commences.
The 54-year-old musician is facing several charges of racketeering, sexual exploitation of a child, forced labor, kidnapping, enticement, and bribery, with his trial date set for August 9.
Take a look at this explosive interview with the rapper in the video below:However, per TMZ, attorneys Steven Greenberg and Michael Leonard filed documents on Monday, June 7, requesting to withdraw from the singer's federal case, stating that they found it difficult to work with other members of his legal team.
Per ABC 7 Chicago, in their letter to a New York federal judge, the pair wrote:
"We weren’t comfortable professionally with allowing lawyers who have never tried federal criminal cases to have significant trial responsibilities. That approach was not to everyone’s liking."
Greenberg and Leonard later told TMZ: "We refused to try a case with lawyers who don’t have the appropriate level of experience and skill because that is not in the client's best interest.
"It is a shame that lawyers can’t suppress their own egos or self-interest and do or act in the client's best interest. We wish Mr Kelly nothing but the greatest success."
Greenberg appeared to allude to the irreconcilable differences hindering Kelly's defense team in a tweet shared with his 5,400 followers on Monday, June 7.
The lawyer wrote: "Sometimes you can’t save someone from themselves, no matter how hard you try."
He later added: "Sometimes people just won’t listen and there is nothing you can do."
Kelly will now be represented by the other two members of his defense team; Thomas A. Farinella and Nicole Blank Becker. In the meantime, their client will remain in custody until his trial commences.
They previously sought an early release from jail in an 18-page court filing due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19 while incarcerated.
This letter read: "The health risk to Mr. Kelly, because of his age and existing health issues, especially considering the conditions at the MCC, necessitates his release on bail."
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