Jury seated for R. Kelly trial

CHICAGO, May 16 (UPI) -- Jury selection for R&B singer R. Kelly's long-delayed child pornography trial in Chicago was completed and opening statements are slated to begin next week.

The 12-member jury consists of eight white people and four black people. Four of the jurors are women, the Chicago Tribune said Friday.

The last four jurors, as well as four alternates, were chosen Thursday.

Kelly's attorneys accused prosecutors throughout the selection process of deliberately trying to prevent African-Americans from serving on the panel. The singer's lawyers also complained when Cook County Circuit Judge Vincent Gaughan allowed a rape victim on the jury, the Chicago Sun-Times said.

When the prosecution moved to strike a black prospective juror from the pool because of his criminal record, defense attorney Sam Adam Sr. stood up and told the court, "They've used 50 percent of their challenges on African-Americans."

Gaughan countered by saying to Adam, "You haven't said anything about all the white males you've dismissed."

Assistant State's Attorney Shauna Boliker noted that all six of the defense's challenges were for white prospective jurors, the Sun-Times said.

Gaughan denied the defense's request to dismiss the rape victim, stating they looked directly at Kelly and sincerely promised him a fair trial.