R.Kelly’s Daughter Buku Abi Says Singer Sexually Abused Her: Changed My Whole Life

Buku Abi, R. Kelly’s daughter, has publicly accused her father of sexually abusing her when she was a child, detailing her allegations in a new documentary series titled “Karma: A Daughter’s Journey.” According to Abi, the abuse occurred when she was around eight or nine years old, an incident she vividly recalls waking up to her father’s inappropriate touching. This revelation has been part of public discussions and media reports around October 10-11, 2024, with Abi expressing how this single event drastically altered her life, diminishing her former sense of self and light.

Following her disclosure, there was an attempt to address the abuse legally. Abi mentioned going to the police with her mother, Andrea Kelly, but despite reporting the incident, charges were not pressed against R. Kelly at the time. This lack of legal recourse has been a point of emotional distress for Abi, who feels she spoke out initially in vain.

In a statement to People magazine, Kelly’s attorney Jennifer Bonjean said, “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.”

USA TODAY reached out to reps for R. Kelly and the documentary for comment.

The allegations against R. Kelly by his daughter add to the series of sexual abuse claims that have surrounded the singer, leading to significant legal consequences, including convictions on charges involving child pornography and sex trafficking in 2021. Despite these legal outcomes, R. Kelly has denied the allegations made by his daughter through his legal representation.

The impact on Abi has been profound, leading her to change her name to distance herself from her father’s legacy and publicly condemning his actions. She has spoken about the emotional and psychological effects, including suicidal attempts and time spent in a mental institution, underscoring the severe long-term impact of the alleged abuse.

This situation reflects a broader narrative of abuse allegations against R. Kelly, which have been in the public eye for years, influencing public perception and leading to legal actions against him. Abi’s decision to speak out adds a deeply personal dimension to these narratives, highlighting the familial ripple effects of such allegations.