Singer R. Kelly remains on suicide watch 'for his own safety': feds

The disgraced singer claims that he was placed on suicide watch as a form of punishment. Photo: AP

Federal authorities are pushing back on R. Kelly's claims that he was placed on suicide watch as a form of punishment last week after a judge sentenced him to 30 years behind bars for using his fame to sexually abuse young girls.

The US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn filed court papers late Saturday (July 2) saying the disgraced R&B superstar remains on suicide watch "for his own safety” following a psychological assessment.