News: Judge Says Press and Public May View R. Kelly Tape

Cook County Judge Vince Gaughan ruled against both prosecutors and defense lawyers for R&B superstar R. Kelly Thursday, saying he will not prevent members of the public at Kelly's child pornography trial from viewing the videotape that appears to show Kelly engaging in sex acts with a 14-year-old girl.
Yes, it might mean people are watching child pornography, but to make secret the heart of the prosecution case against Kelly might undermine the public's confidence in the jury's verdict, Gaughan said.

"This is the whole crux or linchpin of the case against Mr. Kelly," Gaughan said. "Without it, the case wouldn't exist." Adding that he did not want a "star chamber," the judge said, "The press is very important and can't be excluded."

[ Full Story ]