Judge delays media access ruling in R. Kelly trial

News organizations argued in court Thursday for immediate access to sealed court records and transcripts in the R. Kelly child pornography case, though the judge said he would rule on the motion only after the singer's trial was scheduled to start.

The 41-year-old Kelly's long-delayed trial was scheduled to begin Friday, and Judge Vincent Gaughan said he would issue his ruling on the motion on May 16.

Kelly, who appeared at the pretrial hearing but did not address the court, has pleaded not guilty to charges he videotaped himself having sex with an underage girl. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys told the judge Thursday that they oppose the motion, which also seeks an end to a gag order on attorneys.

"Trials should be tried in the courtroom -- not in the newsroom," said Mary Boland, an assistant state's attorney.

Defense attorney Marc Martin echoed the prosecution, saying that opening all records and transcripts would prompt sensational media reports -- making it harder to both pick a jury and for jurors to remain impartial during the trial.

But Damon Dunn, an attorney for three of the news organizations that filed the motion -- the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times and The Associated Press -- said the court had not justified "the secrecy draped over this case."

Dunn conceded some of the information revealed in the now-secret documents would likely be highly personal.

"But embarrassment is not a reason to close proceedings," he said.

Gaughan has said he's trying to protect Kelly's rights and prevent information from influencing prospective jurors.

On Monday, the Illinois Supreme Court refused to get involved in the matter, sending the issue back to Gaughan.