This archive report was first published on 13 July 2019.
July 13, 2019, marked a significant moment in the R. Kelly saga when his daughter, Joann Kelly, also known as Buku Abi, spoke out about the allegations against her father.
Joann, 20 years old at the time, shared a heartfelt post on her Instagram page, explaining why she had remained silent about the allegations of rape and abuse made against R. Kelly in the Lifetime docuseries Surviving R. Kelly.
She wrote, 'The same monster you all confronting me about is my father. I am well aware of who and what he is. I grew up in that house.'
Joann chose not to speak out about her father's actions earlier, citing the need for peace of mind, emotional well-being, and personal healing.
Her mother, Andrea Kelly, had previously spoken out against R. Kelly, filing a restraining order against him in 2005 and later divorcing him in 2009. She claimed that R. Kelly chose not to be involved in his children's lives after the divorce.
Joann's decision to speak out has sparked a mix of reactions, with some people unfairly targeting her for her father's alleged misdeeds.
