R. Kelly Faces Serious Health Crisis in Prison Amid Overdose Claims and Allegations of Malpractice

Disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly, who is currently serving a 30-year sentence for federal racketeering and sex trafficking convictions, has encountered a life-threatening incident in prison. Reports indicate that he was hospitalized following a near-fatal overdose, raising concerns about the treatment he is receiving behind bars.

On June 13, 2025, in the early morning hours, Kelly reportedly experienced severe health complications. According to his attorney’s filing, he awoke feeling faint and dizzy, with black spots appearing in his vision. Despite his attempts to get up, Kelly fell to the ground and crawled to the cell door before losing consciousness. He was subsequently transported on a gurney to a medical facility.

At the hospital, medical staff discovered that Kelly had received an overdose of medication, which posed a serious threat to his life. He spent two days hospitalized for treatment, highlighting alarming issues surrounding his medical care in the prison system.

Allegations Against Prison Officials

Kelly’s attorney has claimed that prison staff administered a dangerously high dose of his medication, which typically includes substances for anxiety and sleep. The legal documents suggest that this deliberate act led to the overdose, which the attorney described as potentially deadly.

In a motion for temporary furlough, which would allow Kelly to leave prison for a limited time under specific conditions, his attorney detailed troubling allegations. The filing contends that merely two days after this motion was filed, officials at the Bureau of Prisons allegedly issued Kelly an excessive dosage of medication, placing his life at significant risk.

Serious Health Concerns

The legal brief emphasizes ongoing health concerns, noting that within three months prior to the overdose, Kelly had frequently complained about a swollen leg. Given his medical history with blood clots, these symptoms were particularly alarming. Despite his requests for medical attention, he received limited or delayed care when seeking help.

Moreover, documents indicate that Kelly was supposed to undergo a scan to assess blood clots earlier this year. However, prison medical staff informed him that they could no longer prescribe blood thinners, worsening his precarious health situation.

Increased Anxiety and Fear

Kelly’s legal team has painted a distressing picture of his mental state following these medical incidents. In a conversation with his attorney, Kelly reportedly expressed fears for his life, stating he was terrified that prison officials might allow him to die. This anxiety appears to stem from recent claims made by a former Bureau of Prisons official, who alleged a conspiracy to harm him in order to cover up previous misconduct within the prison system.

His attorney argued that these allegations reflect a broader pattern of negligence and misconduct by prison officials. The filing asserts that administering overdoses so soon after Kelly’s allegations against the Bureau showcases a direct threat to his life.

Forced Removal from Hospital

Following his hospitalization, Kelly faced another alarming incident where he was forcibly removed from Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, contrary to doctors’ recommendations. His legal team expressed concern that this action reflects a disregard for his health and safety.

The Bureau of Prisons has declined to comment on Kelly’s situation, citing privacy, safety, and security considerations as reasons for their silence regarding medical conditions for incarcerated individuals.

R. Kelly’s Legal Troubles

Reps for Kelly have not provided immediate comments in response to these troubling allegations and incidents. Born Robert Sylvester Kelly, he has been incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina, since 2022.

Kelly’s lengthy prison sentence stems from his conviction in June 2022 on charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking, leading to a 30-year sentence. In February 2023, he received an additional 20 years in prison for child pornography and enticement of minors, though the sentences are set to run concurrently, allowing him the possibility of parole when he turns 80 years old.

A Troubled Legacy

Despite his legal troubles, Kelly’s rise to fame marks him as a once powerful figure in the music industry. He became a celebrated artist, known for hit songs such as “I Believe I Can Fly” and “Bump n’ Grind.” However, throughout the 1990s and beyond, allegations surrounding his misconduct began to surface, overshadowing his accomplishments.

While his fans remain divided, the resonance of his past continues to influence conversations about accountability and the treatment of incarcerated individuals in the United States.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.