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R. Kelly’s Doctor Says He’s Had Genital Herpes for Years as Survivor Details Abuse Endured as a Teen

HeadlineAug 20, 2021

Here in New York, the trial for accused sexual predator R. Kelly is underway. The singer’s personal physician testified Thursday Kelly has had genital herpes since at least 2007, but potentially as early as 2000, as prosecutors say he knowingly infected multiple people. Jerhonda Pace, a survivor, testified the singer forced her to dress up as a Girl Scout, recorded their sexual activity, and that she had to ask for his permission to use the bathroom. Pace, who is now 28 but was just 16 at the time of the abuse, also said she contracted herpes from R. Kelly. The singer faces multiple federal criminal charges, including sexual exploitation of children, kidnapping and forced labor.

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