R. Kelly Breaks Social Media Silence, Sings Happy Birthday To Estranged Daughter

BYErika Marie15.2K Views
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R. Kelly
The singer serenaded his daughter in a short clip.

The last time R. Kelly shared anything on Instagram was January 1, but today he returned to wish his daughter a happy 21st birthday. Kelly's relationship with his daughter Joann Kelly has been a strained one, but Kelly took to social media to publicly serenade her. "Happy Birthday baby. Daddy loves you. I love you, no matter what, I love you so much," Kelly said in the clip before blowing his daughter a kiss.

Joann, who goes by the name Buku Abi and is also the daughter of Drea Kelly, the singer's ex-wife, previously stated that she hasn't seen her father in years, nor does she have a relationship with him. Back in January, she took to social media to break her silence about the sexual assault accusations against Kelly by writing, “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 reading this or affected by this. To the people that feel I should be speaking up/against everything that is going on right now. I just want you all to understand that devastated is an understatement for all that I feel currently,” she wrote. “I do apologize if my silence to all that is happening comes off as careless.”

“That is my last intention. I pray for all the families & women who have been affected by my father’s actions," she continued. "Trust, I have been deeply affected by all of this...My mother, siblings and I would never condone, support or be a part of ANYTHING negative he has done and or continues to do in his life."

Kelly is reportedly at the center of two investigations: one where he's been charged with 10 counts of sexual abuse, and another that is a federal investigation into possible sex trafficking.


About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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