The US judge overseeing R Kelly's upcoming trial for charges relating to child pornography and sex with a minor has ruled that an infamous video tape that some claim proves Kelly's guilt can be shown to the public. Which is fun.
Judge Vincent Gaughan ignored Assistant State Attorney Shauna Boliker's request to hide the tape from the public, arguing that there was nothing to be gained from preventing the public and media from seeing a tape that is regarded as the "lynchpin" to the case.
Boliker argued that showing the film would be "a re-victimisation of the [girl in the tape]", an argument Gaughan rejected, claiming that because the suspected minor has denied that it is her on the tape there was, in theory, no victim to be considered. In addition, there are plans to bring a developmental and forensic paediatrician to testify, who may offer advice as to whether the reluctant behaviour of the girl in the video is typical of someone who has suffered sexual abuse.
The R Kelly case, due to kick off next month, could just beat the Spector case to be pop trial of the year.