Jim DeRogatis Has To Testify At R. Kelly Trial

Sun-Times music critic Jim DeRogatis will have to testify at R. Kelly's trial, Judge Gaughan ruled today. DeRo's lawyer says he's going to appeal.

DeRogatis's testimony is key to the case, according to Kelly's defense team, because he's person who turned the tape over to the police.From the Sun-Times:

Kelly's attorneys say they believe DeRogatis may undermine the testimony of Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, who told police she had seen a copy of the tape with DeRogatis on a date after DeRogatis had passed the tape to police.

Martin told Gaughan, "This case began with Mr. DeRogatis passing on that tape and we certainly have a right to present that evidence to the jury."

Martin added that DeRogatis had a "extreme bias" against Kelly.

He added, "The bias was so strong that it impelled the reporter to violate the law," suggesting that DeRogatis had made an "illegal" copy of the tape before passing it police.

The defense won't be allowed to question DeRogatis about his sources, nor can they subpoena notes he took before giving the tape to the police. [S-T, Trib, photo via Jim DeRogatis's website]