R. Kelly has been making headlines nonstop since Lifetime’s viral docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly” made its debut earlier this month.
According to a new report from TMZ, the veteran R&B singer has been suffering severe anxiety attacks in the wake of the highly publicized allegations of sexual abuse that he’s facing, which have resulted in him seeking medical attention.
Per TMZ’s report, in addition to seeking treatment at a hospital, the 52-year-old has also had doctors make house visits.
The heat Kelly is feeling has arrived in the form of celebrities, family members and the general public alike taking to social media to condemn the singer for his alleged treatment of women and girls. According to the celebrity gossip site, R. Kelly is “aware the pendulum isn’t swinging his way right now in the court of public opinion.”
Adding to his possible distress to Kelly’s current state of mind could also be due to the fact his daughter, Joann Kelly, who now goes by the name Buku Abi, issued a statement in reaction to the abhorrent behavior her father is being accused of.
In a series of posts shared on her Instagram story, Abi explains she’s “well aware of who and what he is,” as well as apologizes for having remained silent on the matter in the past.
“To the people who 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,” Abi 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 this.”
She also explains how due to a result of his “life decisions,” it has been years since her siblings have seen or spoken to him.
“The same monster you all confronting me about is my father,” she continued. “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.”
According to Lifetime, the docuseries was watched by an average of 2.1 million total viewers, factoring in live-plus-same-day ratings from Nielsen.
Take a look at R. Kelly’s daughter speaking out about her father in the post below.