R. Kelly's lawyers are responding to reports about a grand jury forming following news of an alleged new sex tape. Get those deets, plus Evenlyn Lozada speaking out about NOT being involved in a domestic violence project inside...
A new report just came out about the alleged new sex tape that features R&B singer R. Kelly and an alleged underage girl.
A few days ago, lawyer Michael Avenatti released a statement revealing his office discovered a new, never-before-seen video of what appears to be R. Kelly sexually assaulting an underage girl. He said it's NOT the same tape that was used in the child pornography case that was brought against Kelly in 2008. Appreantly, Avenatti has been low key investigating the R&B singer since April after several "clients in connection with allegations of sexual assault of minors by musical artist Robert Kelly (R. Kelly)."
It was said Kelly was on the verge of being indicted. Now, a new report claims a grand jury is forming amid the new evidence that has come to light.
TMZ reports:
Sources connected with the Cook County State Attorney's investigation tell us a number of women who claim to be victims of R. Kelly were recently flown out to Chicago to watch the sex tape Michael Avenatti handed over to prosecutors.
The new tape is reportedly a 42-minute long VHS recording that allegedly shows the "I Believe I Can Fly" singer engaging in sexual acts with a girl, "who refers to her body parts as 14-years-old."
Avenatti said he's representing a man against the singer on a case, even though it's not clear the plaintiff's exact allegations. Once Avenatti got his hands on the tape, he turned it over to the Cook County State's Attorney Office in Chicago, but not before showing the tape to the news outlet. It's unclear when the recording was made, but Avenatti believes it's within the statute of limitations.
Our sources say that these women -- some of whom have never surfaced -- were brought in to watch the new tape to see if anything looks familiar ... including the setting, surroundings, location and, of course, the identity of the 14-year-old.
The tape, and possible witnesses who can contextualize the video, may be enough for a grand jury to indict.
Kelly's attorney, Steven Greenberg, told TMZ they are unaware of any new legal proceedings against the singer.
"I am unaware of any 'special' grand jury being convened to look into R. Kelly. There is no record of any such proceedings, and no need for them. The report is false."
Greenberg also released a statement to CNN saying:
"No one from law enforcement has contacted me or my client regarding any potential investigation," Greenberg said. "Certainly they are aware that I am representing him so if there were any reason to speak to him I would suspect they would have reached out to me."
"Grand jury proceedings are, by law, supposed to be secret, so to the extent people are commenting on what may or may not be going on today are possibly violating the law. Still, I can tell you that I am unaware of any proceedings," Greenberg said.
In other news...
Evelyn Lozada is speaking out amid reports that she was working with other ex-girlfriends of high profile celebrities on a new television project about survivors of abuse by athletes.
TMZ reported producers are pitching a new project about domestic violence and are looking for additional women to come forward to be featured. It was previously reported Evelyn was linking up with Delicia Cordon (LeSean McCoy's ex), Josie Harris (Floyd Mayweather's ex) and Micaela Sanchez (Jimmy Smith's ex), however, Ev claims she doesn't have any involvement in the project.
In an Instagram post, she explained, "I WOKE UP THIS MORNING TO A STORY ON @TMZSPORTS STATING THAT I WOULD BE APPEARING IN AN UPCOMING DOCUMENTARY ABOUT SURVIVING DV ABUSE. ALTHOUGH IGNITING THE CONVERSATION ABOUT DV AND SHINING A LIGHT ON THIS VERY DARK TOPIC IS HOW HEALING BEGINS…I AM NOT A PARTICIPANT IN THIS PROJECT AS BEING REPORTED."
So, be on the look out for the new project, but don't expect a cameo from Evelyn talking about her domestic violence situation with her ex-husband Chad Ochocinco.
Photos: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com
