R. Kelly’s daughter, Buku Abi, accuses the singer of sexually abusing her during her childhood in a new two-part documentary series titled “R. Kelly’s Karma: A Daughter’s Journey.” In the show’s second episode, Abi reveals that she was abused by her famous father when she was just 10 years old. She recalls waking up to him touching her and feeling unsure of what to do, so she pretended to be asleep. Abi first shared her experience with her mother, Andrea, when she was 10 years old, and the two eventually went to the police to file a complaint against Kelly. However, they were told that the statute of limitations had expired, leaving Abi feeling like her voice was not heard.
Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, denied the allegations made by Abi, stating that the singer vehemently denies the accusations. Bonjean also mentioned that Kelly’s ex-wife had made a similar allegation in the past, which was investigated by the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services and deemed unfounded. She criticized the documentary filmmakers for not allowing Kelly to address and deny the claims made against him. Abi, who is also a singer like her father, shared that the alleged abuse had a lasting impact on her emotional well-being. She expressed how the traumatic experience changed her as a person and continues to affect her life to this day.
Despite Abi’s allegations, Kelly was found guilty of several child pornography and sex abuse charges in September 2022. The documentary sheds light on the singer’s troubled past and the challenges faced by his daughter as a result of the alleged abuse. Abi admits to struggling with the emotional scars left by the abuse and the difficult decision to distance herself from her father and avoid visiting his house. She explains how the experience altered her perception of herself and the light she used to carry within her. The documentary provides a platform for Abi to share her story and shed light on the ongoing impact of childhood sexual abuse.
“R. Kelly’s Karma: A Daughter’s Journey” is available for viewing on the streaming platform TVEI, offering viewers a glimpse into Abi’s personal journey of healing and self-discovery. The documentary addresses the sensitive topic of childhood sexual abuse and the importance of supporting survivors in their healing process. For those in need of support or resources related to sexual assault, organizations like RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center offer valuable assistance and information. Abi’s courage in speaking out about her experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to and supporting survivors of sexual abuse.
