Judge Begins Jury Selection in R. Kelly Trial

A Chicago judge today denied R. Kelly's attempt to further delay his child-pornography trial—already six years in the making—and began jury selection before recessing for the weekend, reports the Tribune in its gavel-to-gavel coverage. A circus atmosphere earlier prevailed outside the court, with fans and detractors of the R&B singer loudly heralding his arrival.

Lawyers for Kelly, 41, complained that recent publicity would taint the jury pool, but judge Vincent Gaughan wasn't buying it. Reporters also had a beef with Gaughan, who ordered deputies to keep them in a hallway so potential jurors would have courtroom seats. Proceedings are to resume Monday, with 20 people to be interviewed each day until 16 jurors and four alternates are chosen. (More R. Kelly stories.)