Joycelyn Savage, long associated with R. Kelly, is once again defending her relationship with the embattled singer, pushing back firmly against her family’s continued public concern. In a video message released Sunday, Savage directly addressed claims from her relatives, insisting she is notbeing held against her will — nor is she brainwashed, a sex slave, or a victim.
“I Am Not a Sex Slave” — Savage Speaks Out
The 28-year-old described her relationship with Kelly as one based on love and mutual respect, stating they’ve been together for a decade and engaged for the past three years.
“I am not held against my will. I am not a sex slave. I am not brainwashed or any of those crazy lies that were told on me,” she said, speaking directly to the camera in a calm but resolute tone.
Savage also reiterated her desire to marry Kelly and start a family, even as he remains behind bars serving a lengthy sentence for sex trafficking, racketeering, and related crimes.
Family Tensions & Silence
Her family, however, continues to insist something is wrong. Through their attorney, Gerald Griggs, they’ve voiced opposition to any presidential pardon for Kelly, claiming he’s never taken accountability and that Joycelyn remains “under his thumb.” They also say they haven’t heard from her in years.
Savage offered a different perspective:
“I just don’t want to talk to them,” she said, implying that the communication breakdown stems from personal estrangement rather than any controlling behavior on Kelly’s part.
Standing By Her Man
Despite Kelly’s convictions — including child pornography charges and enticing minors — Savage remains loyal. She ended her video with a plea:
“Please continue to pray for him… I hope he’s released from custody soon.”
This statement comes just days after reports emerged that Kelly had been hospitalized following an alleged plot to kill him while incarcerated — an incident that has yet to be fully clarified.
No Word Yet from Family
As of this writing, Joycelyn’s family and their legal team have not responded to her video. The public remains sharply divided, with some rallying behind Savage’s right to choose her own path, and others questioning whether deeper coercion is still at play.
While R. Kelly continues to serve his sentence, Joycelyn Savage’s loyalty appears unshaken — even as it sets her at odds with her own blood.
