Judy Eddy/WENN.com
R. Kelly’s daughter Buku Abi, whose real name is Joann Kelly, broke her silence about her estranged father and the allegations made against him in the recent docu-series Surviving R. Kelly.
Surviving R. Kelly was a six-part docu-series on Lifetime that features interviews with women who claim the R&B artist sexually abused them. The series also alleges that R. Kelly imprisons underage women for sexual relations and manipulates them to stay.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsKPqkqhxUy/
Abi’s mother Andrea Lee appeared in the documentary to discuss her marriage to R. Kelly and give her side of their abusive relationship.
In her lengthy social media statement, Abi says she is “devastated” about the recent stories and apologizes for taking so long to speak out about the docuseries.
“I just want you all to understand that devastated is an understatement for all that I feel currently. I do apologize if my silence to all that is happening comes off as careless,” she stated.
“I pray for all the families & women who have been affected by my father’s actions,” Abi continued. “Trust, I have been deeply affected by all of this. However, it has been very difficult to process it all. Let alone gather all the right words to express everything I feel.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br_YRf4hdfw/
“Anyone that knows me personally or has been following me through out the years knows that I do not have a relationship with my father. Nor do I speak on him or on his behalf.”
Abi continued to say that she isn’t “fond” of speaking out on her personal issues but feels things are “starting to get out of hand” regarding her dad. She then states that she and her siblings haven’t spoken to R. Kelly in years.
“My mother, siblings, and I would never condone, support or be apart of ANYTHING negative he has done and or continues to do in his life.” She continues, “going through all I have gone through in my life, I would never want anyone to feel the pain I have felt.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsJNcjUBxKZ/
Abi went on to say that people criticizing her and her family for not “speaking up against him” all the time is not helping in their “healing process.” She also said this sort of hate prevents other victims from feeling safe to speak out against her 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 my peace of mine. My emotional state. And for MY healing,” Abi states.
R Kelly’s estranged daughter Buku Abi speaks out against her father, apologizes for taking so long long to say something. Calls him a monster and says that she, her mother and siblings don’t condone Kelly’s behavior pic.twitter.com/SlYh3unopN
— BallerAlert (@balleralert) January 10, 2019
R. Kelly and Lee were married from 1996-2009 and have three children together, Abi, Robert Kelly Jr. and Jay Kelly. In Surviving R. Kelly, Lee detailed years of abuse that she suffered from R. Kelly.
Recently Lady Gaga posted an apology for working with R. Kelly on her track “Do What U Want (With My Body)” on her Artpop album. She’s been part of many celebrities who have apologized for working with the disgraced R&B singer.
The docu-series has spurred a legal investigation in Georgia.
