Current:Home > StocksR. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary -FundConnect
R. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary
View
Date:2025-04-24 12:04:03
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! (68563)
Related
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Federal judge orders Oakland airport to stop using ‘San Francisco’ in name amid lawsuit
- Prominent conservative lawyer Ted Olson, who argued Bush recount and same-sex marriage cases, dies
- Best fits for Corbin Burnes: 6 teams that could match up with Cy Young winner
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- Patrick Mahomes Breaks Silence on Frustrating Robbery Amid Ongoing Investigation
- To Protect the Ozone Layer and Slow Global Warming, Fertilizers Must Be Deployed More Efficiently, UN Says
- US overdose deaths are down, giving experts hope for an enduring decline
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Footage shows Oklahoma officer throwing 70-year-old to the ground after traffic ticket
Ranking
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Lady Gaga Joins Wednesday Season 2 With Jenna Ortega, So Prepare to Have a Monster Ball
- Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani wins reelection to Arizona US House seat
- Can't afford a home? Why becoming a landlord might be the best way to 'house hack.'
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Footage shows Oklahoma officer throwing 70-year-old to the ground after traffic ticket
- FanDuel Sports Network regional channels will be available as add-on subscription on Prime Video
- Black women notch historic Senate wins in an election year defined by potential firsts
Recommendation
San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
Larry Hobbs, who guided AP’s coverage of Florida news for decades, has died at 83
Why Josh O'Connor Calls Sex Scenes Least Sexy Thing After Challengers With Zendaya and Mike Faist
Noem’s Cabinet appointment will make a plain-spoken rancher South Dakota’s new governor
Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
Detroit-area police win appeal over liability in death of woman in custody
North Carolina offers schools $1 million to help take students on field trips
Kim Kardashian Says She's Raising Her and Kanye West's 4 Kids By Herself