R Kelly faces new allegation of underage sex and physical abuse

A mother of three has accused R Kelly of paying her for years to ensure an alleged underage sexual relationship between them was kept secret.

Jerhonda Pace, 24, said she met the R&B superstar at his 2008 child pornography trial when she was just 15 years old and a superfan.

The 50-year-old musician was later acquitted of all 14 charges of making child pornography after a videotape emerged allegedly showing him having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

Ms Pace, who was then known as Jerhonda Johnson, told Buzzfeed News the pair embarked on a sexual relationship when she was only 16 years old.

She alleges Kelly was controlling and abusive to her and he would film their sexual encounters without her granting permission.

Ms Pace accuses the singer, who has sold nearly 60 million albums during his 25-year career, of becoming more controlling over time and beginning to dictate how she dressed, when she could shower, eat or leave the grounds.

She claimed Kelly was wholly in the know she was underage but urged her not to tell the truth if anyone questioned her.

Ms Pace said she decided to end the relationship after they had an argument and Kelly caught her texting a friend.

“I was slapped and I was choked and I was spit on,” she claimed.

Ms Pace claimed she received cash settlements from Kelly in return for signing non-disclosure agreements but had now chosen to speak out. She told the publication the decision to come clean was sparked by her concern for women who are now said to be living with Kelly including a friend she introduced to the singer as a teenager and who allegedly still lives with him.

Kelly has vehemently denied the allegations launched against him.

“The allegations against Mr Kelly are false, and are being made by individuals known to be dishonest,” a representative for the singer said on Wednesday.

“It is clear these continuing stories are the result of the effort of those with personal agendas who are working in concert to interfere with and damage his career. Mr Kelly again denies any and all wrong doing and is taking appropriate legal action to protect himself from ongoing defamation.”

This follows a recent spate of allegations Kelly was brainwashing women in a cult-like setup. The musician has also strenuously denied these claims, with his lawyer saying: “Mr Kelly unequivocally denies such allegations and will work diligently and forcibly to pursue his accusers and clear his name”.

Earlier this month, police said there have been no “criminal allegations” and there will be no police investigation. District Attorney Paul Howard said in an emailed statement that the Fulton County District Attorney's office was also “not investigating” Kelly.

Despite having faced previous accusations of sexual misconduct Kelly was never found guilty. Kelly was twice arrested a decade ago over claims he was involved in sexual activity with an underage girl, when no charges were brought.