R. Kelly’s lawyers filed court papers begging for his release from prison after his health deteriorated behind bars.
The R&B singer/songwriter is reportedly suffering from a hiatal hernia and his physical condition is deteriorating.
A hiatal hernia is an opening in the diaphragm that allows the abdominal organs to protrude through the diaphragm into the chest. The condition can be fatal if not treated by a surgeon.
Every prison has medical staff and psychiatric staffs to treat patients. But a hiatal hernia can not be treated in jail.
Lawyers for the jailed singer have filed new documents in an effort to get their client the medical help he needs behind bars.
In court documents, obtained by TMZ, the lawyers asked a judge to allow Kelly to be released on house arrest, where his physical condition would improve.
They also assured the judge that the “I Believe I Can Fly” singer will not intimidate witnesses if he is released and they insist he is not a flight risk, because he doesn’t currently have access to his passport.
Kelly, 52, was arrested in Chicago earlier this year and charged with 18 new counts, including child sexual exploitation, child pornography production, kidnapping, forced labor, racketeering, and obstruction of justice.
He is also wanted on similar charges in New York and Minnesota.
In August, a Minnesota prosecutor charged Kelly with soliciting a minor and prostitution.
