Current:Home > MarketsR. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary -AlphaFinance Experts
R. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary
View
Date:2025-04-15 20:30:33
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! (6)
Related
- 3 years after the NFL added a 17th game, the push for an 18th gets stronger
- Taylor Swift starts acoustic set with call to help fan on final night in Gelsenkirchen
- We’re Still Talking About These Viral Olympic Moments
- Fact-checking 'Twisters': Can tornadoes really be stopped with science?
- Tony Hawk drops in on Paris skateboarding and pushes for more styles of sport in LA 2028
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Mixed Emotions
- Trump gunman researched Crumbley family of Michigan shooting. Victim's dad 'not surprised'
- 'Too Hot to Handle' cast: Meet Joao, Bri, Chris and other 'serial daters' looking for love
- Paris Olympics live updates: Quincy Hall wins 400m thriller; USA women's hoops in action
- Hundreds of Swifties create 'Willow' orbs with balloons, flashlights in new Eras Tour trend
Ranking
- Connie Chiume, Black Panther Actress, Dead at 72: Lupita Nyong'o and More Pay Tribute
- A fire severely damages the historic First Baptist Dallas church sanctuary
- Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese rivalry has grown the game. Now they're All-Star teammates
- Churchill Downs lifts Bob Baffert suspension after three years
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- Trump returns to the campaign trail in Michigan with his new running mate, Vance, by his side
- Behind Biden’s asylum halt: Migrants must say if they fear deportation, not wait to be asked
- Plane crash in Ohio leaves 3 people dead; NTSB, FAA investigating
Recommendation
Olympic women's basketball bracket: Schedule, results, Team USA's path to gold
Is there a way to flush nicotine out of your system faster? Here's what experts say.
Gwyneth Paltrow Shares What Worries Her Most About Her Kids Apple and Moses
Japanese gymnastics captain out of Paris Olympics for drinking alcohol, smoking
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Israeli military says it has struck several Houthi targets in Yemen in response to attacks
Miami Dolphins' Shaq Barrett announces retirement from NFL
Jake Paul's message to Mike Tyson after latest victory: 'I'm going to take your throne'