R. Kelly Accused of Molesting Own Daughter as Child

Daughter Accuses R. Kelly of Childhood Molestation

“I really feel like that one millisecond completely just changed my whole life and changed who I was as a person...”

Joann Kelly shares traumatic experiences with R. Kelly in explosive documentary 'Karma: A Daughter's Journey'.

Joann Kelly, also known as Buku Abi, has made shocking allegations against her father, incarcerated R&B singer R. Kelly. In the new documentary series “Karma: A Daughter's Journey” on TVEI Streaming Network, Joann claims she suffered sexual abuse at the hands of her father.

According to Joann, she first disclosed the alleged abuse to her mother, Drea Kelly, in 2009. This revelation comes amidst R. Kelly's highly publicized legal battles surrounding numerous allegations of sexual misconduct.

In “Karma: A Daughter's Journey,” Joann shares her personal journey, grappling with the trauma and aftermath of the alleged abuse. The two-part documentary series promises an intimate and thought-provoking exploration of Joann's experiences.

R. Kelly's legal troubles have been ongoing for years, with multiple allegations of sexual abuse, exploitation, and misconduct. Joann's allegations add another layer to the complex narrative surrounding her father's controversial past.

“He was my everything. For a long time, I didn't even want to believe that it happened. I didn't know that even if he was a bad person he would do something to me,” the 26-year-old detailed in an episode of the documentary.

“I was too scared to tell anybody. I was too scared to tell my mom.”

Joann Kelly, R. Kelly's daughter, supports his imprisonment, believing it's a fitting consequence, though she hasn't publicly disclosed specifics of the alleged childhood abuse.

“I really feel like that one millisecond completely just changed my whole life and changed who I was as a person and changed the sparkle I had and the light I used to carry,” she continued.

“After I told my mom, I didn't go over there anymore; my brother, Robert and sister, Jaah, we didn't go over there anymore. And even up until now I struggle with it a lot.”

The trailer for “Karma: A Daughter's Journey” reveals poignant interviews with Joann Kelly (Buku Abi), her brother Robert Kelly Jr., and their mother, Drea Kelly. Drea emotionally expresses her pain and betrayal, stating, “What he did to me, he did to me. But you didn't have to do it to my damn kids.”

In response to the allegations, R. Kelly's attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, issued a strong denial. Bonjean rejected the claims made by Joann and her family, maintaining Kelly's innocence.

The documentary promises a powerful exploration of the Kelly family's experiences, trauma, and healing. Amidst R. Kelly's highly publicized legal battles, “Karma: A Daughter's Journey” sheds new light on the personal struggles of those closest to him.

“Mr. Kelly vehemently denies these allegations. His ex-wife made the same allegation years ago, and it was investigated by the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services and was unfounded.... And the 'filmmakers,' whoever they are, did not reach out to Mr. Kelly or his team to even allow him to deny these hurtful claims, Jennifer said in a statement.

R. Kelly, the embattled R&B singer, received a 20-year prison sentence in February 2023 for child pornography and enticement charges. This sentence will run concurrently with a prior 30-year sentence imposed in July 2022.

The concurrent sentencing stems from separate cases in Chicago and New York. Despite the severe penalties, R. Kelly maintains his innocence, denying all allegations of wrongdoing.

The Grammy-winning singer's legal troubles have garnered widespread attention, highlighting concerns about sexual exploitation and abuse. With a combined effective sentence of 30 years, Kelly's music career remains indefinitely halted.