R.Kelly’s two lead Attorneys, identified as Steven Greenberg and Michael Leonard have filed to be withdrawn from from the case ahead of the embattled singer’s upcoming federal sex trafficking case in Brooklyn.
“Our reasons for withdrawal are significant and it is impossible, in our belief, for us to be able to continue to properly represent Mr. Kelly under the current circumstances,” Greenberg wrote to U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly. The two Chicago-based attorneys also said that they “are willing to (serve) as effective stand-by counsel” if it’s deemed necessary by the court.
The plea for withdrawal comes amid reports Greenberg and Leonard are having disagreements with the other attorneys that are on the team that’s defending Kelly.
“We refused to try a case with lawyers who don’t have the appropriate level of experience and skill because that is not in the client’s best interest,” the two attorneys said in a statement that was provided to TMZ. “It is a shame that lawyers can’t suppress their own egos or self interest and do or act in the client’s best interest.”
Kelly who is facing charges of racketeering, sexual exploitation of a child, forced labor, kidnapping, enticement, and bribery has his New York Trial slated to start on August 9.
