R. Kelly’s oldest daughter has broken her silence for the first time since multiple women made accusations of rape and abuse against her father on the Lifetime documentary ‘Surviving R Kelly’.
20-year-old Joann Lee Kelly – aka Buku Abi – shared a lengthy powerful statement on her Instagram Page, apologizing for taking so long to say something about the allegations being made about her father while showing her support for the singer’s alleged victims.
Joann started her post by saying:
“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 affected by this.”
Joann expresses sympathy and devastation for all of the women who’ve been allegedly victimized by her father and makes it clear that she, her mother and siblings don’t condone any of his negative behavior — past or present. She wrote:
“I just want you all to understand that devastated is an understatement for all that I feel currently.”
“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.”
Joann revealed why she and her family have not had any relationship with Kelly for years, saying:
“Going through all I have gone through in my life, I would never want anyone to feel the pain I have felt.”
Buku adds:
“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.”
‘My choice to not speak on him and what he does is for peace of mind. My emotional state. And for MY healing.
‘I had to do and move in a manner that is best for me.’
Kelly’s daughter says she’s chosen to stay out of the spotlight because it’s better for her healing process, and the constant reminders of “how terrible my father is” aren’t good for her … so she has to do what’s best for herself.
At the end of her message, she took time to thank those people who showed their support for the family during this difficult time.
