Current:Home > MarketsR. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary -LondonCapital
R. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary
View
Date:2025-04-13 22:01:10
R. Kelly's estranged daughter has been carrying a heartbreaking childhood secret.
In a new documentary, Joann Kelly, who also goes by the name Buku Abi, shares details about her experience growing up with the R&B singer, who is serving a more than 30-year prison sentence for sex crimes against underage girls.
"He was my everything for a long time," Joann, who was not named as one of the victims during Kelly's 2021 trial, says in the TVEI Network's R. Kelly's Karma: A Daughter's Journey, as seen in a trailer released Sept. 29. "I didn't even want to believe it happened."
The 26-year-old continued, "I didn't know that even if he was a bad person, that he would do something to me. I really feel like that one millisecond completely just changed my whole life."
According to TVEI, in the documentary, Kelly's daughter "bravely reveals a heartbreaking secret that shattered her childhood."
Joann, who appeared to be pregnant while filming the documentary, vowed to be open about her experiences with her son and keep him away from the "I Believe I Can Fly" singer.
"If my son asks questions I'm going to be as truthful as possible," she said, "but I would not be taking my son to a prison to meet his grandfather."
Kelly will be 78 when he eligible for release from prison in 2045. In April, a federal appeals court upheld his convictions on child pornography and enticement charges, more than 18 months after the conclusion of his trial in Chicago, WTTW reported.
Joann's mother, Kelly’s ex-wife Drea Kelly, also appears in the documentary. "Just because you’re not a good husband, doesn't mean you can’t be a good father. And the fact that he didn’t even try," the 50-year-old said in the trailer. "What he did to me, he did to me. But you didn’t have to do it to my damn kids."
In 2019, Joann spoke out about her father after the release of the docuseries Surviving R. Kelly, which chronicled allegations of abuse and pedophilia that others made about the singer.
The project preceded an investigation against Kelly that helped lead to his 2022 conviction of racketeering and sex trafficking, and a year later, convictions for felony sexual exploitation of a child, enticement of a female, and possession of material containing child pornography.
"The same monster you all confronting me about is my father," Joann wrote on her Instagram Story at the time. "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."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (6)
Related
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Apple releases iOS 17.2 update for iPhone, iPad: New features include Journal app, camera upgrade
- Florida school board approves resolution calling for Bridget Ziegler to resign over Republican sex scandal
- Costa Rican president expresses full support for Guatemala’s President-elect Bernardo Arévalo
- Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
- Wholesale inflation in US slowed further last month, signaling that price pressures continue to ease
- Myanmar overtakes Afghanistan as the world's biggest opium producer, U.N. says
- Doncic, Hardaway led Mavs over Lakers 127-125 in LA’s first game since winning NBA Cup
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- What Tesla Autopilot does, why it’s being recalled and how the company plans to fix it
Ranking
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Dick Nunis, who helped expand Disney’s theme park ambitions around the globe, dies at age 91
- Costa Rican president expresses full support for Guatemala’s President-elect Bernardo Arévalo
- 2 snowmachine riders found dead after search in western Alaska
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- New superintendent selected for Mississippi’s Madison County Schools
- Wisconsin Supreme Court refuses to hear lawsuit challenging voucher school program
- The White House is hosting nearly 100 US lawmakers to brainstorm gun violence prevention strategies
Recommendation
Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
Appeals court denies Trump’s ‘presidential immunity’ argument in defamation lawsuit
James Patterson awards $500 bonuses to 600 employees at independent bookstores
Pirates find regional network landing spot, sign on to become joint owners of Pittsburgh SportsNet
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Supreme Court to hear abortion pill case
Juan Soto thrilled to be with New York Yankees, offers no hints on how long he'll be staying
A military court convicts Tunisian opposition activist Chaima Issa of undermining security