Two women living with R. Kelly expected to attend his sex crimes hearing

Singer R. Kelly is due in court today, Tuesday (July 16) in connection with sex crimes charges – and two women who say they've been living in a consensual relationship with the singer are expected to attend.

Last week, federal prosecutors charged Kelly with new crimes including paying off alleged victims and child pornography. Those federal indictments add to similar state charges.

Meanwhile, attorney Michael Avenatti said R. Kelly paid more than $2 million to silence a girl and her family at the center of a 2008 child pornography trial against the embattled singer. None of them testified, and a jury eventually acquitted Kelly of all charges in the case.

Now, Avenatti says he represents nine clients in connection with Kelly's prosecution, including victims, parents and so-called "whistleblowers" -- one of whom Avenatti says was paid to retrieve a missing sex tape featuring a minor.

"And he specifically told the associate that his life was, quote, 'on the line,'" Avenatti said.

He also claimed that the federal charges stem from sex tapes he turned over to local prosecutors earlier this year.

Avenatti said at least two sex tapes are part of the evidence now threatening Kelly with life behind bars.

On Friday, federal prosecutors in Illinois and New York unsealed 18 charges against the singer, accusing him of crimes against women and girls over two decades.

Tuesday's hearing will discuss bail and arraignment.