Embattled R&B singer, R Kelly was rushed to Duke University Hospital after reportedly overdosing on medication while serving a 30-year sentence in a North Carolina prison, according to court documents filed by his legal team.
R Kelly, 58, convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking, allegedly passed out on June 13 after experiencing dizziness, faintness, and black spots in his vision.
His lawyers claim the incident was triggered by dangerously high doses of medication administered by prison staff while he was in solitary confinement.
Kelly was reportedly placed in solitary confinement on June 10, shortly after filing an emergency motion citing fears for his life.
According to the motion, the singer claimed he was receiving death threats from what he described as white supremacists inside the prison.
His attorneys argue that the solitary confinement and subsequent forced medication were punitive actions taken by prison officials in response to the motion.
“He was locked up and loaded up with medication,” his legal team wrote, adding that R Kelly was given anxiety medication and later directed to take additional prescriptions without adequate oversight.
The overdose and hospitalization have raised serious concerns about Kelly’s treatment behind bars and the handling of inmate healthcare and discipline.
Prison authorities have not yet issued an official response to the allegations at the time of writing.
