The verdict is in, and the trial is over. It's been slightly uncomfortable watching R. Kelly go back and forth to the courthouse in recent weeks knowing that his future was hanging in the balance. Each time I saw him, it felt like even he was uncertain of what his future would be — he was intensely focused, quiet and kept to himself. Given what was at stake, I suppose any of us in his shoes would feel the same way.
All that changed when the verdict was announced this afternoon. He was overcome with emotion inside the courtroom and shed some tears, but he seemed relieved once he was outside. He waved and smiled for what seemed like the first time in weeks. After all those days in front of the courthouse, I forgot what it looked like to see him like that — relaxed. From there, he was off to mark the moment with friends and family.
I felt compelled to wish him well, so we rolled out to find him. He's not ready to talk yet on the record, but this photo says a lot anyway — he's feeling relaxed, relieved and not guilty.
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