Grammy-winning R&B singer R. Kelly, 35, who in June pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of child pornography stemming from a videotape he allegedly made with an underage girl, briefly returned to court in Chicago Wednesday for a status hearing, reports the Associated Press. A Sept. 20 court date has been arranged for discovery in the case. Inside the courtroom, Cook County Judge Vincent Michael Gaughan also opened a package containing a tape of the syndicated "Judge Mathis Show" TV show, in which Kelly's brother, Carey, who bears a striking resemblance to the singer, appears, USA Today reports. Outside the courtroom, about 100 fans cheered Kelly, whose first name is Robert. The musician has remained free on bond since his
June 5 arrest. If convicted, he could face a maximum of 15 years behind bars and a $100,000 fine on charges of videotaping, producing or soliciting for child pornography, according to the grand jury in the case, the AP reports. The star, perhaps best known for his song "I Believe I Can Fly," released a song in late June in which he blames his troubles on being famous. As PEOPLE.com has reported, his record label provided an advance copy of the single, called "Heaven, I Need a Hug," to Chicago station WGCI-FM, which has been supportive of him during his recent troubles.
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