An attorney for two newspapers and The Associated Press says singer R. Kelly's celebrity status doesn't justify news media being barred from pretrial hearings in his pornography trial in Chicago.

The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and the AP are seeking transcripts of closed pretrial hearings and asking that a gag order on attorneys be lifted.

Kelly's attorneys want more time to respond.

Cook County Circuit Judge Vincent Gaughan set another hearing on the motion for May 8, a day before jury selection begins and after any pretrial hearings would be held.

The 41-year-old singer faces charges he videotaped himself having sex with an underage girl. He's denied the allegations.


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