American singer R. Kelly's estranged daughter, Joann Kelly, broke her silence on the harassment allegations levelled on her father by calling him a "monster."
Taking to her Instagram stories, Kelly posted a lengthy message, condemning her "terrible" father, who she said she hasn't seen in years, for his actions and explained why it took so long for her to speak out.
"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," she began her post.
"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. Trust, I have been deeply affected by all of this," she continued.
From there, the singer-songwriter said that while it's been "very difficult to process it all" and "gather all the right words to express everything I feel," she clarified that she has not had a relationship with Kelly for quite some time.
In addition to her personal estranged relationship with her father, Kelly said her family, including her siblings and mother, also hadn't seen him for years. Their decision to cut him out of their lives came after enduring many challenges "in regards to him, his life decisions and his last name."
Of why she chose to stay quiet for so long, Kelly explained that it was for her peace of mind. "My emotional state. And for MY healing."
The 52-year-old singer recently came under intense scrutiny in the wake of the Lifetime docu-series, "Surviving R. Kelly," that features interviews with women who claim that for decades the hit-making singer and producer used his power and influence to sexually and physically abuse women and young girls.
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