R Kelly: FBI investigating singer for flying a minor across states, reports say

The singer may have committed a federal crime under the Mann Act

R Kelly under FBI investigation for transportation of a minor (Getty)

R Kelly is reportedly being investigated by the FBI over a claim the singer committed a federal crime by arranging transportation to fly an underage girl across state lines in 2015.

According to TMZ, R Kelly arranged the coast-to-coast flights for Azriel Clary, who was 17 at the time.

Clary, who was featured in the Lifetime documentary Surviving R Kelly, flew from Palm Springs to Phoenix to Orlando on May 25 2015.

The flights were reportedly booked by a woman working as R Kelly’s assistant at the time, according to a source connected with the Clary family.

If the transportation was arranged for the purpose of sex, the singer may have broken federal laws under the Mann Act.

Under the Mann Act, it is illegal to transport minors across state lines for the purpose of sex, prostitution or debauchery.

TMZ reports the singer defended his actions through a signed note procured from Clary’s mother, who gave permission for her daughter to travel with R Kelly’s assistant.

However, the note is dated September 21 2015 and Clary’s travel took place in May.

Her parents have since claimed their daughter is trapped in R Kelly's sex cult.

In response to the claims of an FBI investigation, R Kelly’s attorney Steve Greenberg told TMZ: “Mr Kelly has not violated the law. Certainly not the Mann Act.

“The story has flawed factual predicates. Beyond that, we remain unaware of any investigation, anywhere.”

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Greenberg has previously denied all sexual misconduct allegations involving women and underage girls on behalf of his client.

The Independent has contacted Steve Greenberg for comment.