R. Kelly’s estranged daughter has spoken out against her dad, one week after the docu-series ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ aired on Lifetime.
The controversial programme examines claims of abuse, predatory behavior, and paedophilia which have been made against the singer throughout his career, interviewing survivors and individuals from R Kelly’s inner circle.
Since it’s airing, several artists including Lady Gaga and Chance The Rapper who have previously collaborated with R. Kelly have come forward to distance themselves from the singer.
I stand by anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault: pic.twitter.com/67sz4WpV3i
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) January 10, 2019
Now his daughter, Joanna Lee Kelly, aka Buku Abi, has shared a lengthy statement on social media explaining why she hasn’t publicly addressed her father’s sexual abuse allegations, citing that the disturbing claims have been difficult to process and it has taken her “three days just to find the right words.”
“I just want you all to understand that devastated is an understatement for all that I feel currently, I do apologize if my silence to all that is happening comes off as careless.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsd4K53hmSa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
“That is my last intention. I pray for all the families & women who have been affected by my father’s action. Trust, I have been deeply affected by all of this. It has been very difficult to process it all. Let alone gather all the right words to express everything I feel.”
Kelly is one of three children fathered by Kelly with Andrea Lee Kelly, but she claims that her siblings, her mother and herself have not communicated with the artist in years, insisting that her family do not “condone, support ANYTHING negative [Kelly] has done and or continues to do in his life.”
Without mentioning any specifics, Kelly went on to suggested that in her time living with her father, who she described as a “monster”, she was forced to endure some painful experiences: “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. 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.”
Photo by MEDIAPUNCH/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
