Allred contacted authorities about R Kelly tape

CHICAGO >> Attorney Gloria Allred told The Associated Press Friday she has contacted law enforcement about concerns one of her clients may be the person in a VHS tape recently given to Chicago prosecutors that purportedly shows R&B star R. Kelly having sex with an underage girl.

Allred, who represents multiple R. Kelly accusers, some of whom haven’t come forward publicly, spoke a day after attorney Michael Avenatti said he gave Chicago prosecutors the video.

“I’ve made law enforcement in a different jurisdiction (other than Chicago) aware of my concerns that it may, in fact, be my client and I want to protect her privacy,” Allred told the AP in a telephone interview.

Kelly has been dogged for decades with allegations of sexual misconduct. Through his lawyers, he has consistently denied them. His current attorney, Steve Greenberg, told the AP Allred’s comments were “speculative.”

Greenberg also said he wasn’t aware of any moves afoot to charge Kelly with anything.

“If R. Kelly is charged with anything, we will address it in court,” he said. “I am confident he will leave through the front door.”

Avenatti has said the video is not the same evidence used in Kelly’s 2008 trial, when he was acquitted on child pornography charges. CNN reported that the nearly 45-minute VHS tape, which it said it viewed, shows a man who appears to be Kelly performing sex acts with a girl who refers to her body parts as 14 years old.

In a written statement emailed to the AP, Allred added that she is bothered by reports the recording may have been more widely viewed.

“I am very troubled that this tape has been viewed by the press and by other persons who are not