By Tyler Clifford and Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) – R. Kelly’s fate on Friday was in the hands of a Brooklyn jury, which began deliberating whether to convict or acquit the R&B superstar on sex trafficking charges.

The seven-man jury, made up five women, began deliberations at 1:40 p.m. ET (1740 GMT). After a closing speech by a federal prosecutor, U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly gave instructions to jurors about the law.

Kelly (54), who is best known for his 1996 Grammy-winning song “I Believe I Can Fly”, was subject to sexual abuse allegations throughout much of Kelly’s career. He was then charged with nine crimes, one including broad racketeering.

Kelly was portrayed as an aggressive, short-tempered and violent predator. He used his celebrity and charm to lure women and young girls to his world, and would then subject them to abuse and unwanted sexual intercourse.

Kelly made several accusers swear that he forced them to follow strict rules, or face punishment. He also wrote “apologetic letters” to excuse himself.

Kelly has pleaded innocent. Kelly’s attorneys tried to present his accusers to be liars, demeaning Kelly out of spite. They did this because they were unhappy with their relationship and Kelly was not an opportunity to launch their careers.

Kelly’s lawyer Deveraux Cannick, who was closing the argument, invoked Martin Luther King Jr. by asking jurors for courage to give Kelly fair treatment, just as Kelly gave to his friends – “like a gold mine.” Cannick stated.

Nadia Shihata (Assistant U.S. Attorney) disputed the defence suggestion that Kelly’s accusers might be “groupies”, or “gold diggers.”

Kelly was not allowed to travel the globe and top the charts, according to Shihata.

Shihata explained, “Throughout this trial, you have seen that the defendant is basically just a control freak.” The defendant is not the victim in this case.

Kelly began his trial on August 18. His right to testify in his own defence was not violated by Kelly’s decision.

Kelly is still facing federal child pornography charges and obstruction charges in Chicago, as well as state charges in Illinois.