Did R. Kelly commit a crime when he flew a then 17-year-old Azriel Clary across state lines back in 2015? According to TMZ, the FBI is in the process of deciding whether or not that’s the case.
Azriel, one of the women featured in “Surviving R. Kelly,” was flown from Palm Springs to Phoenix to Orlando on May 25, 2015. She flew US Airways, leaving Cali at 6:57 AM and eventually landing in Florida at 4:09 PM.
A source connected to Azriel’s family tells us the flights were arranged by a woman who was R. Kelly’s assistant at the time.
Here’s why it’s potentially a big deal. Azriel was only 17 at that time and that means R. Kelly could have violated the Mann Act — the federal act that makes it illegal to transport a minor across state lines for purposes of sex, debauchery or prostitution.
We’re told the FBI just learned about the flights within the last week. As we reported ... the FBI has also been in touch with Joycelyn Savage’s father multiple times in the last 18 months — so it’s clear the feds are taking the R. Kelly allegations seriously.
The Chicago native’s camp believes no crimes where committed because they have a note signed from Clary’s mother granting permission for her to travel.
Slight problem however: The trip in question took place in May 2015 and the above note is clearly in reference to a trip that occurred later that year.
I’m not sure how this will all play out, but prayerfully it concludes with the “Bump & Grind” crooner finally locked up behind bars.