R. Kelly has formally requested that Donald Trump commute his 30-year prison sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking convictions.
The appeal, now listed on the Justice Department’s public portal, aims to reduce rather than eliminate his sentence, as reported by Rolling Stone.
Specifics of the request remain undisclosed, with the White House Office of the Pardon Attorney marking it as pending. A representative stated the submission appears to be a generic application, adding that it does not reflect any official consideration.
R. Kelly is reportedly asking Donald Trump to commute his 30-year prison sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking.
His attorney has reportedly filed a request with the Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney, which is currently listed as… pic.twitter.com/mqxqqMpA7G
— HotNewHipHop (@HotNewHipHop) July 15, 2026
The White House emphasized that all clemency requests undergo rigorous review, with the President holding final authority. R. Kelly is currently incarcerated at a North Carolina federal prison, serving time for multiple counts including sexual exploitation of minors and forced labor.
In 2023, he received an additional 20-year sentence for child pornography and enticement of minors, extending his total incarceration to 31 years. His legal team previously argued for a new trial or immediate release due to alleged threats, claiming prolonged neglect of his medical needs and racial motive behind the plot.
Earlier attempts to secure bail or overturn convictions were denied, with courts upholding his sentences. The latest request for clemency remains under review, though no further updates have been announced.
