The criminal case against R. Kelly, which has been pending for five years, is finally headed to trial. At a hearing in Chicago on Wednesday (August 1), Judge Vincent Gaughan said Kelly's trial will begin on September 17.

"As Robert [Kelly] said many times, he believes in our system of justice," a spokesperson for the singer told MTV News. "He is looking forward to finally having his day in court. He's confident that when all the facts come out, it will be clear he's not guilty of any crime."

Kelly was charged with 21 counts of child pornography in 2002 (seven of which were later dropped) for allegedly videotaping himself having sex with a girl prosecutors said was 14 years old at the time; he pleaded not guilty. [READ MORE]

Labels: R Kelly