Burst appendix waylays R. Kelly

R. Kelly missed a Chicago court appearance on child pornography charges this week after undergoing surgery for a burst appendix, his lawyer said.

Attorney Terence Gillespie said the 40-year-old R&B; singer underwent surgery Sunday, shortly after being admitted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. The court hearing was Wednesday. Gillespie said Thursday that Kelly was in good condition and was expected to be released from the hospital later in the day. Kelly’s next court date is Feb. 21, and Gillespie said he expected Kelly to be there.

Kelly, whose real name is Robert Kelly, has pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of child pornography and is awaiting trial. Kelly was charged in 2002 with engaging in videotaped sex acts with an underage girl.