R Kelly sentenced to 30 years in sex abuse case

Victims testified about being physically harmed by R&B star

Jovante Cunningham, one of Kelly's accusers, pauses after speaking outside the federal court. AP

A supporter of R Kelly cries outside the federal court in Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday after the R&B star was sentenced to 30 years in a federal sex case. AP

Lawyer Gloria Allred speaks alongside Ms Cunningham outside the federal court. AP

Kelly's lawyer Jennifer Bonjean speaks after her client was sentenced to 30 years in jail. AP

Ms Allred walks out of federal court alongside another Kelly victim, Lizzette Martinez. AP

Crowds gather for Kelly's sentencing at the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse in New York. Reuters

Ms Cunningham embraces a supporter. EPA

Ms Cunningham speaks after Kelly's sentencing. EPA

Ms Allred walks with Ms Martinez after the sentencing. EPA

Ms Martinez and Ms Cunningham outside the courthouse on Wednesday. EPA

R Kelly was sentenced on Wednesday to 30 years in prison, after the multi-platinum R&B singer's conviction for exploiting his stardom and wealth over decades to lure women and underage girls for sex.

Kelly was convicted last September after a five-and-a-half week trial over accusations that had dogged the singer of the Grammy-winning hit I Believe I Can Fly since the early 2000s.

He is among the most prominent people convicted of sexual misbehaviour during the #MeToo movement.

Earlier on Wednesday, women who testified against Kelly during the trial spoke about how he had promised to mentor them and help them to attain stardom, only to subject them to degrading sexual treatment and physical harm.

Many said the abuse led to mental health problems that persist.

The sentence was imposed by US District Judge Ann Donnelly in Brooklyn Federal Court.