R. Kelly’s Girlfriends Flying to NYC to Support Him

It appears any hope Azriel Clary‘s family had about their daughter coming back to them have been dashed … because TMZ’s learned Azriel’s planning to fly to NYC for moral support in R. Kelly‘s sexual exploitation case.

Kelly’s attorneys, Douglas Anton and Steve Greenberg, tell TMZ … Azriel is expected to be joined by Joycelyn Savage, both of whom plan to attend Kelly’s arraignment next Friday. Azriel and Joycelyn want to make it clear … this is a united front to support Kelly.

Anton tells us the women are going into “protective mode” because they view Kelly as a loved one in crisis. Anton says Azriel and Joycelyn — who have supported Kelly at previous court appearances — plan to arrive Thursday and stay in Brooklyn where Kelly will be held by U.S. Marshals.

As you know … feds in New York slapped Kelly with a 5-count indictment … which includes racketeering and kidnapping. He’s also fighting a 13-count indictment in Illinois federal court.

BTW … we’re told the women want to visit Kelly, although it’s unclear if that’s even possible.

Azriel’s family had a ray of hope Kelly was losing his grip over her. The family saw Azriel becoming more active on social media, which to them was a sign she was breaking free. Not so, it appears.