R Kelly Sex Tape

Jury uncomfortable as sex tape is played in court

R Kellys trial has begun and the sex tape that allegedly features the R&B superstar has been viewed by the jurors.

With dimmed lights and pens poised the clip of the underage girl was played during the direct examination of the very first witness.

Mr. Kelly has always claimed never to have seen the tape and initially appeared uncomfortable during the viewing, Jurors reacted differently amongst themselves with some looking to each other to gauge reactions.

At one point Judge Vincent Gaughan came close to declaring a mistrial as the first witness, retired police officer Dan Everett, referred to a previous investigation involving the girl in the video.

This had already been ruled on in a closed court and was not allowed to be referred to during the R Kelly trial. The judge stated that if it happened again he would declare a mistrial.

The prosecution claimed that R Kelly could be seen to be in control of the situation in the video and that he commanded the girl in question.

The defence countered by stating that it was not R Kelly on the tape and as the girl could be seen accepting money she should be considered a "professional prostitute.

Initial reports by US Correspondent Jennifer Vineyard.

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