NEW YORK (AP) — R. Kelly’s racketeering and sex trafficking convictions, along with a 30-year prison sentence, were upheld Wednesday by a federal appeals court that concluded the singer exploited his fame for over a quarter century to sexually abuse girls and young women.

R. Kelly's 30-year prison sentence for sex trafficking and racketeering has been upheld by a federal appeals court in New York. On Wednesday, the court ruled that the arguments in Kelly's appeal "are without merit."

Harry Hamlin Says We're in a "Fog" in Hollywood Right Now at The Creative Coalition Summit | THR Video The judge said there is extensive evidence to keep R. Kelly behind bars for decades. 8 Communication rules that can save your relationships dating advice healthy relationship.