R. Kelly's estranged daughter calls him a "monster": "I am well aware of who and what he is"

Surviving R. Kelly, Lifetime’s deep dive into the sexual assault and imprisonment allegations the R&B singer’s carried for years, is making some serious waves. Not only has it led artists like Lady Gaga and Phoenix to disavow their previous collaborations with Kelly, but it’s also prompted honest-to-goodness legal action. Now, a new voice has emerged in the ongoing discussion, one with a heretofore unrepresented perspective.

Buku Abi, Kelly’s estranged daughter, took to Instagram on Thursday with a statement regarding her father’s history. In it, she calls Kelly a “monster,” condemns his actions, and voices support for his victims. She also makes it clear that this will likely be her last statement on Kelly.

“To the people who feel that I should be speaking up / against everything is going on right now,” she said, “I just want you all to understand that devastated is an understatement for what I feel currently. I do apologize if my silence to all that is happening comes off as careless.”

She continued, “The same monster you all confronting me about is my father. I am well aware of who and what he is. I grew up in that house. My choice to not speak on him and what he does is for my peace of mind. My emotional state. And for MY healing. I have to do & move in a manner that is best for me.”

Kelly’s allegations have been in the wind since, in 1994, he reportedly married the late pop singer Aaliyah when she was 15 and he was 27. Now, due to Lifetime’s docuseries, numerous investigative articles, and the promise of another documentary on Kelly from Buzzfeed and Hulu, it appears the singer will finally be forced to confront his actions. Of course, that likely won’t impact his sales, as they’re reportedly up since the Lifetime series aired.