Current:Home > MarketsR. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary -NextWave Wealth Hub
R. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary
View
Date:2025-04-27 21:13:48
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! (37)
Related
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- ABTCOIN Trading Center: The Significance of Cryptocurrency Cross-Border Payments
- He was orphaned in the Holocaust and never met any family. Now he has cousins, thanks to DNA tests
- DBW Token: Elevating AI Financial Navigator 4.0 to New Heights
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- John Mulaney and Olivia Munn marry in a ceremony officiated by Sam Waterston
- Average rate on a 30-year mortgage falls slightly, easing borrowing costs for home shoppers
- Making Sense of the Year So Far in EV Sales
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Taylor Swift performs three tracks for the first time on Eras Tour in Zürich, Switzerland
Ranking
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Report: NBA media rights deal finalized with ESPN, Amazon, NBC. What to know about megadeal
- UN Expert on Climate Change and Human Rights Sees ‘Crucial and Urgent Demand’ To Clarify Governments’ Obligations
- Convert to a Roth IRA or not? It's an important retirement question facing Gen X.
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Sophia Bush Shares Insight Into “Priceless” Friendship With One Tree Hill Costar Hilarie Burton
- ABTCOIN Trading Center: The Significance of Cryptocurrency Cross-Border Payments
- NATO nations agree Ukraine is on irreversible path to membership
Recommendation
Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
ACC lawsuit against Clemson will proceed after North Carolina judge denies motion to stay
All-Star rookie Shota Imanaga's historic first half helps Chicago Cubs battle the blahs
Ocasio-Cortez introduces impeachment articles against Supreme Court's Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito
US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
Hoda Kotb Reacts to Fans Wanting Her to Date Kevin Costner
ACC lawsuit against Clemson will proceed after North Carolina judge denies motion to stay
Scarlett Johansson says 'Poor Things' gave her hope for 'Fly Me to the Moon'