Current:Home > FinanceR. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary -Wealth Momentum Network
R. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary
View
Date:2025-04-14 20:04:33
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! (534)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- 1 dead, 'multiple' people shot at party in Muncie, Indiana
- How Travis Kelce's Attempt to Give Taylor Swift His Number Was Intercepted
- Michigan urologist to stand trial on sexual assault charges connected to youth hockey physicals
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Kevin Spacey acquitted of all 9 sexual assault charges by jury in UK trial
- Panthers officially name No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young their starting quarterback
- Room for two: Feds want small planes' bathrooms to be big enough for two people
- Average rate on 30
- Pair accused of killing a bunny, hamster at Oklahoma pet store identified by police
Ranking
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Pink Summer Carnival setlist is a festival of hits. Here are the songs fans can expect.
- Jamie Lee Curtis discovers ‘lovely, weird’ family connection to ‘Haunted Mansion’ movie
- Dennis Quaid says Christianity helped him through addiction, plans gospel album
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- Don’t mess with Lindsey: US ekes out 1-1 draw in Women’s World Cup after Horan revenge goal
- How do Olympics blast pandemic doldrums of previous Games? With a huge Paris party.
- Stefon Diggs explains minicamp tiff with the Bills, says it's 'water under the bridge'
Recommendation
'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
Michigan woman out of jail after light sentence for killing dad by throwing chemical
Rauw Alejandro Denies Erroneous Cheating Rumors After Rosalía Breakup
Hundreds of weapons found as investigators end search of Gilgo Beach murder suspect's home
Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
UFO hearing key takeaways: What a whistleblower told Congress about UAP
Clean energy push in New Jersey, elsewhere met with warnings the government is coming for your stove
What causes cardiac arrest in young, seemingly healthy athletes like Bronny James? Dr. Celine Gounder explains