R. Kelly’s racketeering and sex trafficking convictions, along with a 30-year prison sentence, were upheld Wednesday by a federal appeals court that concluded the singer exploited his fame for over a quarter century to sexually abuse girls and young women.

R. Kelly is staying in prison on his sex trafficking and racketeering convictions for the required 30 years. His request for appeal was denied by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday (Feb.

R. Kelly formally appealed his conviction on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges. On Wednesday (February 12), the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the conviction and its corresponding 30-year prison sentence.