Current:Home > NewsR. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary -Wealth Evolution Experts
R. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary
View
Date:2025-04-17 05:56:34
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! (71859)
Related
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- 11 MLB hot takes with baseball entering dog days of summer
- 3 people are found dead at a southeast Albuquerque home, police say it appears to be a homicide case
- Belgian triathlete gets sick after competing in Seine river
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Amazon: Shoppers are distracted by big news events, like assassination attempt
- American Kristen Faulkner makes history with first road race gold in 40 years
- Missouri police say one man has died and five others were injured in Kansas City shooting
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- A college closes every week. How to know if yours is in danger of shutting down.
Ranking
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- A rebuilt bronze Jackie Robinson statue will be unveiled 6 months after the original was stolen
- Noah Lyles wins Olympic 100 by five-thousandths of a second, among closest finishes in Games history
- White Sox beaten 13-7 by Twins for 20th straight loss, longest MLB skid in 36 years
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- Powerball winning numbers for August 3 drawing: Jackpot rises to $171 million
- One church, two astronauts. How a Texas congregation is supporting its members on the space station
- White Sox beaten 13-7 by Twins for 20th straight loss, longest MLB skid in 36 years
Recommendation
John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
Olympics pin featuring Snoop Dogg is a hot item in Paris
What You Need to Know About This Mercury Retrograde—and Which Signs Should Expect Some Extra Turbulence
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he left a dead bear in Central Park as a prank
Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
Simone Biles, Suni Lee on silent Olympic beam final: 'It was really weird and awkward'
WWE champions 2024: Who holds every title in WWE, NXT after SummerSlam 2024
How Noah Lyles' coach pumped up his star before he ran to Olympic gold in 100 meters