R Kelly has asked a judge to let him perform in Dubai so he can pay his bills.
Lawyers for the R&B singer, who is facing 10 sexual abuse charges in Illinois, filed a motion with the Cook County Circuit Court seeking permission for him to leave the U.S. Kelly had to surrender his passport as part of his bail conditions.
Kelly is scheduled to fly on a private jet to the United Arab Emirates for a series of shows that were booked prior to his arrest last month. He is also scheduled to meet with members of the UAE royal family, according to the filing.
“He cannot work, and consequently cannot make a living if he is confined to Illinois, or even the United States,” reads the motion. “Denying him the opportunity to work would be a hardship on his children.”
Kelly’s lawyers said the star is struggling to pay child support, legal fees, and his living expenses. Since the broadcast of the docu-series Surviving R Kelly, his songs have been removed from streaming services and he has been dropped by his record label.
Kelly has denied the allegations against him.
A judge is scheduled to rule on his travel request on Friday.