Victims of R. Kelly have finally breathed a collective sigh of relief after the singer was found guilty of exploiting his superstar status to run a scheme to sexually abuse women and children over two decades.
The 'I Believe I Can Fly' singer was on trial in New York after being charged with racketeering, sexual exploitation of a child, forced labor, kidnapping, enticement, and bribery.
Eleven accusers - nine women, and two men - took the stand over the six-week trial to describe sexual humiliation and violence they suffered at the hands of the Grammy Award-winning star.
Per BBC News, Kelly has continuously denied the charges against him, however, after two days of deliberation, a jury found him guilty on all the charges he was facing on Monday, September 27.
After the singer was found guilty of federal crimes that could land him in prison for decades, some of those victims were speaking out again.
Jerhonda Pace, the first victim to testify, posted a statement to her Instagram within hours of the verdict being read, CNN reports.
"I am happy to FINALLY close this chapter of my life," she wrote. "No matter what you think of me or how you feel about things; today, I MADE HISTORY. I wanna see you be brave."
Kelly was found guilty of nine counts - one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act. Of the 14 underlying acts for the racketeering count, he needed to be found guilty of at least two to be convicted of that count. Jurors found prosecutors had proven all but two of the 14 underlying racketeering acts.
Pace's testimony was part of the case with three racketeering acts the jury found were proved, as were charges of Mann Act violations: forced labor and sexual exploitation of a child.
Pace wrote that for years she was trolled by people who called her a liar and some said she was speaking for money.
Nicole Blank Becker, an attorney for Kelly, called Pace "a self-proclaimed liar" in her opening statement. On Monday, Pace wrote: "Today, my voice was heard."
She added she was grateful to be a voice for those who didn't have the courage to also speak up and thankful to have been part of the group that did. Gloria Allred, an attorney for three of the victims who testified, said a woman who spoke in court as "Sonja" was thankful the jury listened to her.
"I've been hiding from Robert Kelly in fear due to threats made against me and I'm ready to start living my life free from fear and to start the healing process," she said in a statement Allred read to reporters.
"Thank you for shining a light and helping me to get out from under that rock that I stayed under for far too long."
She thanked federal agents for protecting her and others over the past two years. She said no one should have to live with that fear.
"If you've been in a similar situation, I urge you to come forward as well," she said, according to Allred. "It will be like a weight lifted off of your shoulders."
Gloria Allred, a lawyer who represented several victims, told reporters: "I've been practicing law for 47 years. During this time, I've pursued many sexual predators who have committed crimes against women and children.
"Of all the predators that I have pursued, Mr Kelly is the worst."
At a news conference outside the court on Monday, prosecutor Jacquelyn Kasulis said that the jury had sent a message to other powerful men like Kelly, per BBC News.
"No matter how long it takes, the long arm of the law will catch up with you," Kasulis said.
An attorney for Kelly said they are considering filing an appeal and are disappointed in the verdict.
Sentencing is due to take place on May 4, 2022, and he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.