R.Kelly’s Oldest Daughter Joann Speaks Out: “My father is a monster”

R. Kelly’s Oldest Daughter Joann Speaks Out: “My father is a monster”

Amid the surrounding controversy of the Lifetime documentary, “Surviving R. Kelly,” many celebrities and participants of the doc have spoken out against the alleged sexual abuse inflicted by R&B singer R. Kelly. However, even in the wake of their mother, Andrea Kelly‘s, accounts of abuse, his children have remained silent. R. Kelly’s oldest daughter, Joann “Buku Abi” Kelly, broke her silence today (January 10, 2019). She issued the following statement on her Instagram Story:

“Buku here. I just want to say a few things… Before I start I just want it to be known that I am speaking from the heart, nothing I say or do not say is to hurt ANY party reading or affected by this. To the people that feel I should be speaking up/against everything that is going on right now. I just want you all to understand that devastated is an understatement for all that I feel currently. I do apologize if my silence to all that is happening comes off as careless. That is my last intention. I pray for all the families & woman who have been affected by my father’s actions. Trust, I have been deeply affected by all of this. However, It has been very difficult to process it all. Let alone gather all the right words to express everything I feel. Anyone that knows me personally or has been following me through out the years knows that I do not have a relationship with my father. Nor do I speak on him or on his behalf. I also am not fond of dealing with my personal issues or personal life experience through social media but, I feel things are starting to get out of hand. Unfortunately, for my own personal reasonings & for all my family has endured in regards to him, his life decisions, and his last name, it has been years since my siblings and I have seen and or have spoken to him.”

Joann, continued, sharing how her father’s alleged abuse has impacted her life:

“In regards to my mother, she for the same reasonings and more, has not seen or spoken to my father in years. My mother, siblings, and I would never condone, support or be apart of ANYTHING negative he has done and or continues to do in his life. Going through all I have gone through in my life, I would never want anyone to feel the pain I have felt. Reminders of how terrible my father is, and how we should be speaking up against him, rude comments about my family, fabricating me, my siblings, & our mothers “part”, etc. Does not help my family (Me, my sister, my brother, and my mother) in our healing process. Nor does it allow a safe space for other victims who are scared to speak up, speak up. The same monster you all confronting me about is my father.”

Joann Kelly, Jaya Kelly, and Robert, Jr.

She added:

“I am well aware of who and what he is. I grew up in that house. My choice not to speak on him and what he does is for my peace of mind. My emotional state. I have to do & move in a manner that is best for me. I pray anyone who reads this understands I put nothing but good intent behind each word. It took me nearly 3 days to write this. I just want everyone to know that I do care and I love you all. This is a very difficult subject to speak on… again, I apologize if my words don’t come out right..”

Lastly, Joann Kelly thanked her fans and followers for their support during this tough time:

“To everyone who reached out to my family and I, sending good energy and love.. Thank you. You guys really helped push us through this hard time. This past year my family has been very difficult, all the love and support you all continue to show is why we keep going. You all fuel us. Family, friends, followers, fans, ect.. I love you guys to pieces. Your love is appreciated & will always be reciprocated. For anyone new to my page, I just ask when you come here you bring peace & nothing else. Love, Buku Abi.”

R. Kelly and Andrea Kelly were married in 1996, and divorced in 2009. They share three children – Joann, Jaya, and Robert, Jr.

Written by Miata Shanay