R. Kelly is scheduled to appear before a judge on August 9th for allegations of sex trafficking and exploitation, among other things, as previously reported. R. Kelly’s defense team is losing two members, according to TMZ, just two months before the trial begins. According to TMZ, lead attorneys Steven Greenberg and Michael Leonard submitted paperwork on Monday to withdraw from the ongoing case. R. Kelly is “looking forward to the trial,” according to Steve, because his time in jail as a public figure hasn’t been “easy.” According to TMZ, an alleged “power struggle” among members of R. Kelly’s legal team resulted in a “clash” between then and now.
As a result of their squabble, Steve and Michael are said to have filed for divorce. “We declined to pursue a case with lawyers who lacked the necessary knowledge and skill because it was not in the best interests of the client,” Steven and Michael told TMZ. “It’s a shame that lawyers can’t put their egos or self-interest aside and do or act in the best interests of their clients.” The rest of R. Kelly’s legal team, on the other hand, is portraying a different picture than Steve and Michael. According to TMZ, Steve and Michael’s departure was not voluntary, according to attorneys Thomas Farinella and Nicole Blank Becker.
“At this moment, the only remark we have is that Mr. Kelly fired both lawyers before they could file their motion,” Thomas and Nicole told TMZ. As you may know, before Steve and Micheal can be fired, the judge in charge of the case must sign off on it. That, according to TMZ, “hasn’t happened.” Still, Steve and Michael seemed to be firm in their decision to leave the team, citing Thomas and Nicole’s lack of experience with federal criminal matters as the key cause. “ The departing lawyers told TMZ, “We wish Mr. Kelly nothing but the best of luck.”
