R Kelly not placed on suicide watch as a punishment, say US authorities

The Grammy-winning, multiplatinum-selling songwriter was found guilty last year of racketeering and sex trafficking

R Kelly turns to exit during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court building (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune via AP)

Federal authorities have rejected singer R Kelly’s claims that he was placed on suicide watch as a form of punishment last week after a judge sentenced him to 30 years behind bars for using his fame to sexually abuse young girls.

The US Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn filed court papers late on Saturday saying the disgraced R&B superstar remains on suicide watch “for his own safety” following a psychological assessment.