Why is R. Kelly’s fiancée publicly disputing her family’s claims? Joycelyn Savage explains her side

R.Kelly attends Sony
R.Kelly attends Sony's 3D launch in Sandton (Image via Getty)

Joycelyn Savage, who identifies as R. Kelly’s fiancée, recently released a video responding to public statements made by her family. They had expressed worry she is under Kelly’s control, missing, and possibly being held against her will. This happened amid discussions around Kelly’s request for a presidential pardon and renewed attention on his legal issues.

In her video, Joycelyn called her family’s claims false and misleading. She said she is not a captive or victim. She wants people to know she is in control of her life, and not manipulated or brainwashed.


What does R. Kelly's fiancée Joycelyn Savage say about her own state and freedom?

As reported by TMZ on June 22, 2025, Joycelyn said:

“I am not held against my will. I am not a s*x slave. I am not brainwashed or any of those crazy lies that were told on me.”

She insisted she is fine and denies being victimized. She also asked the public to stop believing false claims from her family and others against R. Kelly.

Joycelyn stated she has been in a relationship with R. Kelly for ten years and they’ve been engaged for three. She said they hope to marry and start a family.

She also explained the lack of contact with her family is not because of mistreatment. It is her choice, based on a family breakdown.

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Why is R. Kelly's fiancée Joycelyn Savage speaking out now?

Double Up Tour - R.Kelly, Keyshia Cole, Ne-Yo and J.Holiday in Concert - (Image via Getty)
Double Up Tour - R.Kelly, Keyshia Cole, Ne-Yo and J.Holiday in Concert - (Image via Getty)

As reported by TMZ on June 22, 2025, Joycelyn is speaking out to correct what she says is public misinformation. In her statement, she called her family’s claims “lies” and said they misrepresent her life. She wants people to understand her reality as she experiences it, not as others portray it. By speaking out, she hopes to counter the public narrative that paints her as a victim.

Another reason is to show support for R. Kelly during his current legal efforts. According to TMZ, Joycelyn urged the public to pray for him and said she hopes for his release. Her statement came at a time when news reports were focused on R. Kelly’s request for a presidential pardon. By making her views known, she aligns herself with him and supports his bid for clemency.

Lastly, Joycelyn is asserting her own agency. She explained that her lack of contact with her family is a personal choice. As TMZ reported, this shows she wants to be seen as an independent adult capable of making her own decisions, rather than someone who is controlled or manipulated by R. Kelly or anyone else.

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Joycelyn Savage has spoken out to reclaim her story. She denied being a victim, brainwashed, or held against her will. She emphasized her long-term relationship with Kelly, their engagement, and her intent to marry and start a family.

Her message seeks to contradict her family’s claims and to affirm her control over her life. She framed the lack of family contact as personal choice, not coercion.

By doing this now, she addresses rumors, shows support for R. Kelly amid his legal and pardon efforts, and attempts to shift the conversation from her family’s narrative to her own voice.

Edited by Sarah Nazamuddin Harniswala