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*The judge in R. Kelly’s forthcoming child pornography trial upheld his earlier ruling to allow the media and public to see the videotape that allegedly shows the singer having sex with an underage girl.
During a hearing Tuesday, prosecutors urged Cook County Criminal Court Judge Vincent Gaughan to reverse his ruling, arguing that making the tape public would re-victimize the girl, reports the Chicago Tribune.
But Gaughan refused to reconsider, noting that the girl who prosecutors believe is in the video has claimed that it isn't her. The judge said if the girl had said she was the victim, he would not allow the video to be shown in open court.
Assistant State's Atty. Shauna Boliker also said that a pediatrician, Dr. Sharon Cooper, will testify that the girl – who has been uncooperative with investigators – is exhibiting behavior consistent with someone who has been victimized.
Kelly's attorney, Ed Genson, said the expert's opinion would be rendered moot because the girl is not the girl on the tape.
Cooper also is expected to testify that patterns from Kelly's hand print are consistent with a hand in the video, Boliker said. But Genson argued that Cooper does not have the qualifications to make that kind of judgment.
Gaughan will decide Sept. 10 on whether to allow Cooper's testimony. Jury selection is set to begin on Sept. 17. Kelly, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted, pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of child pornography.
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