R. Kelly breaks down in prison, begs for release as health deteriorates, says legal team

R. Kelly cries during prison call and pleads for release as health worsens and fear for his life grows, lawyer says.

R. Kelly is reportedly terrified and in emotional distress behind bars, according to his legal team.

The 57-year-old singer, currently serving a 30-year sentence for sex trafficking and racketeering, broke down in tears during a recent phone call with attorney Nicole Blank Becker. She tells TMZ that Kelly is “scared out of his mind” and desperate to be released from prison due to ongoing health and safety concerns.

Kelly is being held in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) at a North Carolina facility after a recent hospitalization. He was previously rushed to a local hospital following an overdose on prescribed medication. Doctors reportedly informed him that surgery was needed and that he would remain hospitalized for two weeks. However, Kelly was abruptly returned to prison custody without receiving further medical care, Becker claims.

“Whether you like R. Kelly or not, what’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong — he’s a human being who needs immediate medical attention,” Becker added.

Another attorney, Beau Brindley, says Kelly's condition has worsened. He alleges that Kelly is still not receiving blood thinners for diagnosed blood clots, nor any ongoing treatment. Brindley also confirmed that their team recently obtained a HIPAA waiver and is working to access Kelly’s full medical records from Duke Hospital.

Kelly’s attorneys have now filed a motion requesting that he be moved to home confinement. They argue that his current conditions pose serious threats to his life and well-being, and that adequate medical treatment is not being provided in prison.