R. Kelly co-defendant takes stand, says he was suspicious of sexual misconduct claims against singer

CHCAGO — R&B superstar R. Kelly had already been the target of several lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct when he told his then-business manager in December 2000 that his 14-year-old goddaughter “was being harassed” by police to admit they were having an inappropriate relationship.

The business manager, Derrel McDavid told a federal jury Wednesday that when he asked Kelly if the allegation regarding the girl, “Jane,” was true, the singer exploded.

“ ‘Are you out your goddamn mind?’ ” McDavid testified Kelly said at the time. “ ‘This is my goddaughter! Of course there’s no truth to this.’ ”