Current:Home > MarketsR. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary -Momentum Wealth Path
R. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary
View
Date:2025-04-11 20:59:41
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! (3315)
Related
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- NPR staff review the biggest games of March, and more
- Tech Layoffs Throw Immigrants' Lives Into Limbo
- Gerard Piqué Breaks Silence on Shakira Split and How It Affects Their Kids
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- In 'Season: A letter to the future,' scrapbooking is your doomsday prep
- Best games of 2022 chosen by NPR
- Scientists are flying into snowstorms to explore winter weather mysteries
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- Revitalizing American innovation
Ranking
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Twitter bots surfaced during Chinese protests. Who's behind them remains a mystery
- Princess Diana's Niece Lady Amelia Spencer Marries Greg Mallett in Fairytale South Africa Wedding
- 'PlayStation VR2' Review: A strong foundation with a questionable future
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Multiple people killed amid new fighting in Israel and Palestinian territories as Egypt pushes truce
- Best games of 2022 chosen by NPR
- Transcript: Laredo, Texas, Mayor Victor Trevino on Face the Nation, May 14, 2023
Recommendation
California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
Ariana Madix’s Next Career Move Revealed After Vanderpump Rules Breakup Drama
Volcanic activity on Venus spotted in radar images, scientists say
'Company of Heroes 3' deserves a spot in any war game fan's library
Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
Mindy Kaling Shares Rare Photo of 5-Year-Old Daughter Katherine at the White House
A new AI chatbot might do your homework for you. But it's still not an A+ student
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says we don't attack Russian territory, we liberate our own legitimate territory