HOLLYWOOD - R&B star R. Kelly has had a last-minute bid to postpone his child pornography trial denied.
Earlier this week, Kelly's lawyers submitted a new motion appealing to have the case temporarily delayed due to a recent "torrent of publicity" surrounding the case, which they feel could have a negative effect on the trial's outcome.
But a Chicago judge dismissed Kelly's attorneys' request on Friday, when jury selection was due to start, and ruled trial proceedings will continue as planned--six years after he was charged with having sex with a minor. The 41-year-old has pleaded not guilty to 14 charges of child pornography, after a videotape emerged allegedly showing him having sex with an underage girl.
However, the trial looks to be a messy one--both Kelly and his now-23-year-old alleged sexual partner both insist it isn't them on the videotape.
Kelly faces up to 15 years in prison if he's convicted.
http://www.hollywood.com/news/R_Kelly_Denied_Postponement_in_Child_Pornography_Trial/5232878
