Buku Abi, the daughter of R. Kelly, has come forward with harrowing claims regarding her tumultuous past, revealing that she spent time in a psychiatric facility and struggled with suicidal thoughts after experiencing trauma at the hands of her father. In a poignant revelation made during the new docuseries “R. Kelly’s Karma: A Daughter’s Journey,” she described how the alleged abuse began when she was merely eight years old.
In a candid interview, Abi, whose real name is Joann Kelly, opened up about the mental health challenges she faced over the years. “For a significant period, I was trapped in a dark place mentally, leading me to a mental health institution,” she disclosed. “I reached a point where I attempted to take my own life multiple times.”
The 26-year-old singer shared that her mother, Andrea Kelly, noticed her distress when she broke down during a car ride to school. “That day, my mom called the hospital, and I was admitted,” Abi recounted. “I spent about two and a half weeks there under constant supervision to prevent self-harm. Afterward, I entered outpatient therapy for several months.”
Despite her struggles, Abi conveyed the overwhelming sense of hopelessness she felt, admitting there were times she didn’t care whether she lived or died. This realization prompted a crisis for her mother, who discovered the cuts on her daughter’s wrists while they were out shopping. “She immediately became concerned, asking, ‘What’s happening? Are you okay?’ It was clear she was genuinely scared for me,” Abi said.
In the documentary, she revealed that she often grappled with disbelief regarding the abuse, even referring to her father as her “everything.”
The allegations are particularly disturbing, given R. Kelly’s background as a convicted sex offender, now serving a 30-year sentence for charges including sex trafficking and child pornography. Although not available for immediate comment, his legal team has categorically denied the allegations in the past, stating that similar claims made by Kelly’s ex-wife were investigated and deemed unfounded.
Abi’s disclosure highlights the profound impact of familial abuse, sparking conversations about mental health and the importance of support systems. R. Kelly remains incarcerated, with future release possibilities looking bleak.
For anyone grappling with similar issues, resources are available, including the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226 and the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
