Current:Home > reviewsR. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary -Zenith Investment School
R. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary
View
Date:2025-04-13 15:42:34
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! (8)
Related
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Chelsea Handler Sets the Record Straight on Her NSFW Threesome Confession
- U.S. F-16 fighter jet shoots down an armed Turkish drone over Syria
- IMF chief says the global economy has shown resilience in the face of COVID, war and high rates
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Armed man seeking governor arrested at Wisconsin Capitol, returns later with rifle
- Drug delivery service leader gets 30 years in fentanyl poisoning deaths of 3 New Yorkers
- Dramatic video shows plane moments before it crashed into Oregon home, killing 22-year-old instructor and 20-year-old student pilot
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- New York state eases alcohol sales restrictions for Bills-Jaguars game in London
Ranking
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Federal judges select new congressional districts in Alabama to boost Black voting power
- North Carolina WR Tez Walker can play in 2023 after NCAA grants transfer waiver
- Russian journalist who staged on-air protest against Ukraine war handed prison sentence in absentia
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Jason Kelce Reveals the Picture Perfect Gift Travis Kelce Got for His Niece Wyatt
- Jamie Foxx Mourns Death of Friend Keith Jefferson at 53
- When is the next Powerball drawing? Jackpot soars to $1.4 billion, 3rd largest in history
Recommendation
Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
Body Electric: What digital jobs are doing to our bodies
Trump lawyers seek dismissal of DC federal election subversion case, arguing presidential immunity
Dominican authorities are searching for caretaker after bodies of 6 newborns are found near cemetery
How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
Michael Jordan Makes History as His Net Worth Reaches $3 Billion
Joan Baez at peace
Jury hears testimony in trial of officers charged in Manuel Ellis' death