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.

An appeals court has denied the singer's challenge to his conviction on racketeering and sex trafficking charges as he serves 30 years in prison.

R. Kelly formally appealed his conviction on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges. On Wednesday (February 12), the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the conviction and its corresponding 30-year prison sentence.