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

BY Erika Marie 15.1K 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
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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