R. Kelly back on the street after ‘friend’ posts bail

Singer R.Kelly has finally been set free following three days in jail after an anonymous 47-year-old Chicago woman, who called herself “a friend”, posted bail of $100,000 (R1.4 million) for the embattled singer.

The 52-year-old was released from custody on Monday wearing the same outfit he wore on Friday when he turned himself in to police: a black hoodie and pants, along with a blue jacket and white shoes with no laces.

He was seen laughing with his lawyer as a small group of fans stood on the other side of the road playing his songs, including I Believe I Can Fly, on repeat.

His first stop following his release was to a local McDonald’s where witnesses say he wolfed down a burger, fries, and a large soft drink.

The R&B superstar had earlier pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against four victims, three of them minors.

He was forced to surrender his passport even though his attorney, Steve Greenberg, said Kelly was not a flight risk, telling the judge: “Contrary to the song, Mr Kelly doesn’t like to fly.”

The case against the Ignition singer is said to be damning with Michael Avenatti – the high-profile lawyer representing at least two of the alleged victims – saying his team had turned over a second, 55-minute-long, tape to prosecutors that depicts the artist “engaged in the illegal sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl”.

“The conduct in the tape can be described as nothing short of outrageous and illegal,” the lawyer told reporters.

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