Chicago Sun-Times star music reporter, Jim DeRogatis, has been required this morning to testify in the R. Kelly trial.
DeRogatis received a copy of the alleged R. Kelly sex tape in 2002, and passed it to police for investigation. Though Sun-Times lawyers doesn’t feel DeRogatis should have to take the stand because of Illinois reporter’s privilege and the First Amendment, Kelly’s defense team feels it’s crucial he do, the Sun-Times writes.
Judge Gaughan said that the “reporter’s privilege” only allows journalists the right to not identify sources. Judge Gaughan also said that Kelly’s attorneys will not be allowed to ask DeRogatis about how he got the tape, if he made a copy of it, nor anything about his sources.
According to the Chicago Tribune, former R&B star Sparkle (real name Stephanie Edwards) who’s collaborated with Kelly on hits like 1997’s “Be Careful,” testified that DeRogatis showed her the tape in 2002. She also testified that the alleged victim on the tape was her 13-year-old niece.
Kelly’s lawyers believe Edwards was shown the tape after it was passed to police for investigation, which is a felony. Last week, Kelly’s lawyers went so far as to seek to subpoena DeRogatis.
The defense team is expected to grill DeRogatis on the tape, and press their theory that DeRogatis has personal negative issues with their client R. Kelly.
"Whether or not Mr. DeRogatis harbored a bias against pedophilia is not important," Sun-Times attorney, Damon Dunn, said.
Dunn is expected to appeal Judge Gaughan’s decision.
May 30, 2008 @ 4:02 pm
Chicago Newspaper Reporter Required to Take Stand In R. Kelly Trial
Chicago Sun-Times reporter was given copy of sex tape years ago
Article tags: R. Kelly, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Jay-Z, Jim DeRogatis
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