R. Kelly’s estranged daughter has broken her silence over allegations surrounding her father, with a powerful message shared to her Instagram account.
Buku Abi (given name Joann Lee Kelly), addressed the numerous accusations for the first time in an Instagram story, calling the American singer a ‘monster’, as well as stating she wants nothing to do with him.
Kelly, who’s also a songwriter and producer, has faced accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse for more than two decades, which were recently explored in a six-part Lifetime documentary, Surviving R. Kelly.
However, Ms Abi has now addressed the allegations which have followed her father for years.
She revealed she hadn’t spoken out previously because of how ‘devastated’ she is about the whole situation.
In a post on her Instagram story, she wrote:
I pray for all the families & women who have been affected by my father’s actions. Trust, I have been deeply affected by all of this. [sic]
However, it has been very difficult to process it all. Let alone gather all the right words to express everything I feel.
Joann goes on to say she doesn’t have a relationship with her father and hasn’t seen him, or spoken to him for ‘years’, due to everything her family has endured, ‘in regards to him, his life decisions, and his last name’.
She then writes:
My mother, siblings, and I would never condone, support or be apart of ANYTHING negative he has done or continues to do in his life. [sic]
Going through all I have gone through in my life, I would never want anyone to feel the pain I have felt.
Joann then makes reference to her childhood and personal experiences with R. Kelly, calling him a ‘monster’ for the things he’s allegedly done.
She said:
The same monster you all confronting me about is my father. I am well aware of who and what he is. I grew up in that house. [sic]
My choice to not speak on him and what he does is for my peace of mind. My emotional state. And for MY healing. I have to do & move in a manner that is best for me. [sic]
Surviving R. Kelly – which aired on January 4 – features commentary from Kelly’s critics, including founder of the #MeToo movement Tarana Burke and singer John Legend, as well as testimonials from women who’ve accused the singer of abuse; one of which was ex-wife Andrea Lee.
Following the documentary’s release, TMZ report the 51-year-old rapper was ‘disgusted’ by the accusations made against him in the show, claiming he didn’t even know who half of the people were.
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 802 9999 (12-2:30 and 7-9:30). Alternatively you can contact Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111.
Male Survivors Partnership is available to support adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape. You can contact the organisation on its website or on its helpline – 0808 800 5005.
A Broadcast Journalism Masters graduate who went on to achieve an NCTJ level 3 Diploma in Journalism, Lucy has done stints at ITV, BBC Inside Out and Key 103. While working as a journalist for UNILAD, Lucy has reported on breaking news stories while also writing features about mental health, cervical screening awareness, and Little Mix (who she is unapologetically obsessed with).