R Kelly was rushed to the hospital from a North Carolina federal prison after reportedly overdosing on medication administered by prison staff. Now, his lawyers are claiming it was no accident—and that his life is in danger.
R&B singer Robert Sylvester Kelly, known to the world as R. Kelly, was hospitalized on June 13 following an alleged overdose while in solitary confinement at the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina. He had reportedly received an “overdose quantity” of anxiety and sleep medication the previous evening, according to a new court filing by his attorney, Beau Brindley.
The incident occurred just days after Kelly’s legal team filed an emergency motion seeking his release to house arrest, citing an alleged plot by prison officials to orchestrate his murder using another inmate.
R Kelly’s Dramatic Turn Behind Bars
Kelly, 58, has been serving a combined 31-year sentence following convictions for racketeering, sex trafficking, child pornography, and enticement. In 2022, he was sentenced to 30 years by a New York federal court, followed by an additional 20-year sentence in Chicago, with one year to be served consecutively.
His attorneys now claim that on June 12—two days after being placed in solitary confinement “against his will”—Kelly was given a medication dosage so high that it led to fainting, vision blackouts, and eventual unconsciousness.
“He crawled to the door of the cell and lost consciousness,” the filing states.
Prison medical staff were reportedly unable to treat him, and he was transported by ambulance to Duke University Hospital.
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“His Life Is in Jeopardy Right Now”
According to Brindley, doctors at Duke diagnosed Kelly with blood clots in both legs and lungs. He was scheduled for surgery and told he would need to remain under medical supervision for two weeks. But just hours later, Kelly was forcibly removed from the hospital by armed officers and returned to solitary confinement—against medical advice.
In court documents, Brindley wrote:
“It is undeniable. Mr. Kelly’s life is in jeopardy right now because the Bureau of Prisons denied him necessary surgery to clear clots from his lungs. He could die from this condition, and they are letting it happen.”
In a public statement to US Weekly, Brindley added:
“If this is not the Bureau of Prisons engaging in conduct that will kill Mr. Kelly, I would ask government counsel to explain what it is.”
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The Alleged Plot—and Government Pushback
Kelly’s attorneys also allege that three high-ranking inmates at Butner were directed by Bureau officials to carry out a murder plot. One inmate, Mikeal Glenn Stine, reportedly declined to participate and instead informed Kelly, prompting the legal team to file for emergency protection.
Prosecutors have dismissed the claims as “fanciful” and “theatrical,” arguing that the motion was improperly filed and accusing Kelly’s team of exploiting the court system.
“Every convicted murderer, rapist, and terrorist will have a newfound shot at freedom,” federal attorneys warned, should the motion succeed.
They also condemned the filings as an insult to the survivors of Kelly’s crimes, calling him a “master manipulator.”
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From Global Fame to Emergency Pleas
The unfolding drama underscores the stunning downfall of a figure once seen as untouchable. From chart-topping success with hits like “I Believe I Can Fly” to convictions for systemic abuse and child exploitation, Kelly’s name has become a symbol of justice long delayed—and, some argue, still imperfect.
Now, his legal team is calling on the courts—and even President Donald Trump—to intervene before, as Brindley puts it, “this corruption ends in death.”
