Prosecutor calls R. Kelly a ‘predator’ as trial opens

A federal prosecutor called disgraced musician R. Kelly a “predator” on the first day of his sex abuse trial, Reuters reported Wednesday.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Cruz Melendez told a 12-person jury that the Grammy-winning R&B singer manipulated, lied to and physically abused his victims, often filming their sexual encounters.

“This case is about a predator,” Melendez said, according to Reuters. “This case is not about a celebrity who likes to party a lot.”

Nicole Blank Becker, Kelly’s attorney, said during the first day of the trial that the case against her client has “gaps” in it, and alleged that the accusers turned on the singer when their relationships with him didn’t end up how they wanted.

Kelly has pleaded not guilty to nine counts stemming from accusations of bribery and extortion. If convicted, he could be sentenced to decades in prison.

Kelly, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is also facing sex-related charges in Illinois and Minnesota.