appeal

R. Kelly Files For Appeal In Federal Sex Crimes Case In NY

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R. Kelly has filed for an appeal in his federal sex crimes case based in New York. According to TMZ, the disgraced singer cites a “laundry list of reasons” he believes the conviction should be overturned. Kelly was previously found guilty in 2021 on nine total federal counts. They included RICO charges in addition to charges pertaining to sex crimes and human trafficking.

As for Kelly’s issues with the conviction, he argues the government did not meet its burden of proof in court. In the filing, his legal team brings up issues with several pieces of evidence prosecutors were allowed to submit during the trial. The lawyers also take issue with at least 4 of the jurors selected. They say in the time since, they’ve admitted prejudging his guilt before handing down their official verdict.

R. Kelly In Court

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 17: Singer R. Kelly turns to leave after appearing at a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on September 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail. (Photo by Antonio Perez – Pool via Getty Images)

As for Kelly’s original conviction, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the charges. He’s also serving an additional 20 years for a similar case in Chicago. At the time of his New York sentencing, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated: “R. Kelly used his fame, fortune and enablers to prey on the young, the vulnerable and the voiceless for his own sexual gratification, while many turned a blind eye. Through his actions, Kelly exhibited a callous disregard for the devastation his crimes had on his victims and has shown no remorse for his conduct.”

He continued: “With today’s sentence he has finally and appropriately been held accountable for his decades of abuse, exploitation and degradation of teenagers and other vulnerable young people. We hope that today’s sentence brings some measure of comfort and closure to the victims, including those who bravely testified at trial, and serves as long-overdue recognition that their voices deserve to be heard and their lives matter.”

As for Kelly’s Chicago conviction, he has yet to file for appeal in that matter. Following the sentencing, his lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, told TMZ at the time: “We feel good. Sentence was mostly concurrent. One additional year added. Almost no restitution. Good outcome. But we are still going to fight the NY case!”

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Tory Lanez Attorney Argues AK-47 Tattoo Is A Tribute To Tupac: “He, Too, Was Misunderstood”

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A California bill that passed days after Tory Lanez’s conviction is the cornerstone for his appeal. The Canadian artist’s legal team filed an appeal for a new trial in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case. Per Meghan Cuniff, they cited errors allowed by the judge that included evidence infringing on his creative rights. Jose Baez, the rapper’s attorney, wrote that the judge “erroneously allowed” a tattoo of a gun into evidence which portrayed the rapper in an inaccurate light.

Baez explained that prosecutors “painted defendant as a gun-wielding career criminal” when introducing a photo of the rapper’s tattoo. He said that the tattoo of the firearm should not have been shown to jurors in the first place. They argued that laws in California prevent creative expression from entering the court. They argued that the AK-47 tattoo serves as an “homage to his idol Tupac Shakur.” “Mr. Shakur used his music and tattoos to discuss socio-political issues affecting the black community in the nineties,” the filing reads. “Yet, he, too, was misunderstood.”

Tory Lanez’s Homage To Tupac

Baez argues that the prosecutors “revealed their true motive” when they showed jurors a shirtless Tory with the gun tattoo. Just nine days after the jury found Tory Lanez all three counts, California law, AB 2799 went into effect. In hip-hop, specifically, the bill carries huge significance because it restricts the use of rap lyrics in criminal court cases. The late Drakeo The Ruler found him prosecuted, largely due to their creative expression rather than hard evidence.

Tory’s legal team also said his music would’ve been presented in cross-examination if he had chosen to testify. Prosecutors planned to play a portion of his “Cap” music video. The clip in question shows Tory cutting a horse’s leg off with a cleaver. His team believes that his right to testify was “impermissibly chilled” due to the possibility of impeachment evidence entering the trial. Since the California legislature already passed AB 2799, they said he should’ve been allowed to take the stand without his creative expression being used against him. We’ll continue to keep you posted on anymore updates surrounding the Tory Lanez trial.

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Tasha K Apologizes To Cardi B After Losing Appeal In $4Mil Case

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It looks like Tasha K will have to pay up in her case with Cardi B, and the blogger returns with a note to the rapper. It’s been an intense back-and-forth between Cardi and Tasha for years after the latter shared false information about the rapper. On her platforms, Tasha claimed that Cardi had an STD, performed sex acts on stage at strip clubs, worked as a prostitute, and used drugs. The “WAP” hitmaker denied those allegations, and after being antagonized online, she sued Tasha K. After lengthy litigation, a court sided with Cardi to the tune of $4 million. Immediately, Tasha and her legal team filed an appeal.

However, it has been reported that Tasha also lost her appeal, and she has to cough up millions. She addressed the loss on Instagram, where she penned an apology to Cardi. “Damn Winos! We lost the appeal… against #CardiB sad day.. but I’m gonna be alright… I appreciate all your love & support. Throughout this fight. Today we throw in the white flag… what happened will never happen again… To Cardi & Her team, I apologize sincere. We Live, & Learn.”

Appeals Court Responds To Tasha K

Tasha’s attorneys previously argued that the court didn’t take a proper look at the evidence against Cardi. They also stated that the judge suppressed or withheld evidence that would have supported Tasha. The appeals court issued a five-page response along with their decision. “Defendant Latasha Kebe asks for a new trial, saying that there was insufficient evidence for the jury verdict against her,” they wrote. “But as she all but admits, she didn’t make either of the required post-verdict motions in the district court.”

“She never tells us where in the 5500-page record the district court’s alleged errors can be found,” the court documents continued. “Because Kebe’s brief falls well short of what we require, she has abandoned this argument.” Meanwhile, the Bronx rapper’s attorneys Andrew Pequignot and Lisa Moore gave a statement to Billboard about this latest decision. “We’re obviously pleased that the Eleventh Circuit has affirmed the jury’s unanimous and important verdict, which we believe was more than amply supported by the evidence presented in the case.”

A Warning For Bloggers

Tasha K hasn’t been the only blogger that an artist has taken to court. Last Fall, Nicki Minaj filed a lawsuit against Marley Green, known as Noesey Heaux. Minaj is suing the vlogger for defamation and has requested $75K in damages. Green alleged that the Rap icon was “cokehead,” said her “bloodline was disgusting,” and fired off comments about her son growing up to be a rapist. The rapper’s husband, Kenneth Petty, was accused of rape in the 1990s and served time after copping to a plea.

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Andrew Tate Bail Request Denied By Romanian Court: Report

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Andrew Tate will remain behind bars after a Romanian court denied his latest appeal. Authorities in Romania detained the controversial influencer, his brother, and two women in late December on suspicion of human trafficking and organized crime. The Romanian court denied his several release attempts. However, they didn’t file charges against him yet. The court extended his detainment, once again, last month and it appears that they won’t allow him to make bail, either.

According to Sky News, Andrew Tate lost another appeal in his release. A Romanian judge ruled that the former kickboxing world champ will remain behind bars for another 30 days at least. Tate appeared in court today to try to appeal the extension. His spokesperson said that Tate hoped “reunited with his family.” “His legal team will be appealing this decision within the 48hr time frame,” the rep continued. With the rejection of his appeal, Tate will now be held in a Romanian prison until March 29th. 

Andrew Tate’s Arrest

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – FEBRUARY 01: Former kickboxer Andrew Tate (L) and his brother Tristan (R) leave court with police cars after their trial in Bucharest, Romania on February 01, 2023. (Photo by Alex Nicodim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

When Tate and his brother were initially arrested on Dec. 29th, officials said that they would be held in custody for 24 hours. However, the court extended his detainment by 30 days. Then in January, they extended it for another 30 days and did the same in February. Court documents explained they kept them in custody because “the possibility of them evading investigations cannot be ignored.” They feared that he could be a flight risk, writing Tate could “leave Romania and settle in countries that do not allow extradition.”

Tate and his brother have insisted that they’re innocent of any of the accusations they face, claiming the Romanian government doesn’t have a shred of evidence against them. However, it’s quite rare for suspects under preventative arrests to request bail, though there are many instances where a judge grants requests to be placed on house arrest or geographically restricted. 

Tate’s Health Scare

Earlier this month, reports emerged claiming that Tate was battling lung cancer. Alleged medical documents surfaced online alleging that his doctors wanted him to undergo immediate surgery and that his incarceration presented an immediate threat to his well-being. However, Tate later addressed the claims on Twitter, writing, “I do not have cancer. My lungs contain precisely 0 smoking damage. In fact, I have an 8L lung capacity and the vital signs of an Olympic athlete. There is nothing but a scar on my lung from an old battle. True warriors are scarred both inside and out.”

Jussie Smollett Appeals 150-Day Jail Sentence

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On March 2022, actor-musician Jussie Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail for staging a hate crime against himself in 2019. The case itself began in January that year when Smollett reported to Chicago police he’d been attacked by two men. He alleged they shouted racist and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on him, and put a noose around his neck. As the investigation progressed, however, inconsistencies in Smollett’s story began to emerge. This led police to conclude he had staged the hate attack with the two men.

Now one year following his admission of guilt, Smollett’s legal team has officially filed to appeal his sentence. Smollett’s legal team argues the sentence is too harsh, and that he should have been given probation instead. They also contend there were errors made during the trial, including the exclusion of certain evidence. In addition, they mention admission of testimony from the two brothers who allegedly helped him. The appeal is expected to be a lengthy process, and it is unclear how long it will take for a decision to be made. In the meantime, he will remain free on bail. Jussie served six days out of the sentence last year before he was released.

Jussie Smollett’s Appeals Stems From His 2019 Hate Crime Hoax

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 10: Actor Jussie Smollett listens as his grandmother Molly testifies at his sentencing hearing on March 10, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Jussie Smollett was found guilty late last year of lying to police about a hate crime after he reported to police that two masked men physically attacked him, yelling racist and anti-gay remarks near his Chicago home in 2019. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail, 30 months probation, ordered to pay $120,000 restitution to the city of Chicago and fined $25,000. (Photo by Brian Cassella-Pool/Getty Images)

The former Empire star was formally convicted of the hoax hate crime in December 2021. Jussie was initially charged with 16 felony counts relating to “false report of offense,” but the charges were later dropped. Later, a special prosecutor was appointed to investigate the handling of the case. They indicating Smollett again on six counts, and the jury found him guilty of five disorderly conduct charges. They dimissed the one count of making a false report to police. In the end, Jussie was sentenced to 150 days in jail and ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution to the City of Chicago.

The Smollett case has sparked a great deal of controversy, with some arguing he was unfairly targeted by the justice system. Others believe that he committed a serious crime and should be punished accordingly. Regardless of the appeal outcome, the case is likely to continue to be a debatable topic for some time. As of recent, a docuseries has been announced regarding the hoax, which will take a “deep dive into a scam.”

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C Murder Reveals Hunger Strike, Asks Activists For Help With Appeal

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For over two decades, C Murder has been behind bars. The No Limit rapper was in his prime with his brother Master P when he was accused of murder. In 2022, a 16-year-old named Steven Thomas used a fake I.D. to attend a concert at Harvey nightclub. During the event, Thomas was attacked, shot, and killed. Six days later, C Murder, real name Corey Miller, was arrested and charged with the crime. He went to trial, and a jury ruled 10-2 guilty.

Throughout his incarceration, there have been calls for Miller’s release. Advocates have petitioned investigators to reopen the case, especially after a key witness recanted their story. Monica has also stood by Miller’s side, and it is rumored that the two former lovers have rekindled their romance. Just an hour ago, the rapper took to his Instagram page to plea for help as he continues to appeal the case.

Corey Miller’s Impassioned Plea

“Jan. 17, 2023, marked 21 years I Corey Miller have been in the Louisiana Penal system,” wrote C Murder in a caption. “I have been fighting for my health and freedom against this wrongful conviction and simultaneously fighting for my constitutional rights that were stripped away and violated by the penal system of Louisiana. An appeal was filed late December of 2022 and the DA & Judge of Louisiana has 30 days from Feb. 7, 2023 to answer.” He then detailed his hunger strike that was recently launched.

“Because Conditions in the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center have not improved, I am engaging in a hunger strike that began on February 23rd of 2023,” he said, “to bring awareness to me and all inmates’ neglected and abused at the hands of the Louisiana penal system. It is imperative, NOW MORE THAN EVER, that a quick strategic move is made as my health has significantly declined due to the prison system’s inhumane conditions and I am not getting proper medical treatment. This has taking a major toll on me but I refuse to give up. Please Stand with me.”

Calling On Attorneys, Lawmakers, & Activists

After penning his statement, C Murder also tagged several people and outlets. Attorney Ben Crump, who tackles police brutality and misconduct cases, was added, as was Kim Kardashian. Her work in helping with prisoner releases has been well-documented. Million Dollaz Worth of Game host Wallo works intimately in prison reform, and the Innocence Project has done stellar work in helping the wrongfully convicted taste freedom once again. Check out C Murder and who else he tagged above.

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Tory Lanez’s Fans Start Petition To Appeal Verdict

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Fans of Tory Lanez have launched a petition on Change.org to appeal the verdict in the rapper’s recent trial regarding the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. A jury found Lanez guilty of all charges on Friday. The petition labels the verdict a “true miscarriage of justice.”

“The state did not prove that Lanez undoubtedly committed any crime,” a description for the petition reads. “Reasonable doubt loomed over a 10-day trial as the prosecution was unable to show us that there were not alternative explanations of the events. A circus of speculation, insufficient evidence, inconsistencies, and drunken memories left us without much moral certainty of any truth.”

DAVIE, FLORIDA – JUNE 04: Tory Lanez performs onstage during Celebrity Sports Entertainment Presents Tory Lanez & Jen Selter at DAER Nightclub on June 04, 2021 in Davie, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images)

“The justice I want for Megan is for the full truth to come out, rather than the scrambled truth we are left with. Who really hurt Meg?” the petition concludes. “Was this case taken because of a political pressure to fake protect black women?”

The petition also references Lanez not taking the stand during the trial. This was a strategy criticized by comedian Michael Blackson on Twitter afterward.

“I don’t care what anyone says if I didn’t do something I’m taking my ass on the stand to let the world know I didn’t do it. I will never leave my freedom in the hands of anyone,” Blackson wrote, Saturday.

The jury found Lanez guilty of all three charges on Friday. The charges include felony negligent discharge of a firearm, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm. He faces a maximum sentence of 22 years in prison and the possibility of deportation back to Canada.

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