Jennifer Bonjean: R. Kelly’s Attorney Criticizes Documentary Filmmakers for Ignoring Singer on Buku Abi’s Abuse Allegations

The documentary featuring R. Kelly, titled Karma: A Daughter’s Journey, made its debut on the TVEI Streaming Network on October 11, 2024. This impactful film included testimony from Kelly’s daughter, Buku Abi, who has alleged that she suffered abuse at the hands of her father during her formative years.

In response to Abi’s assertions presented in the documentary, Kelly’s legal representative, Jennifer Bonjean, who heads the Bonjean Law Group, issued a statement to People magazine, categorically refuting the claims. Bonjean stated:

“Similar allegations were made by his ex-wife years back, which were thoroughly investigated by the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services and were deemed unfounded… The ‘filmmakers’, whoever they may be, did not reach out to Mr. Kelly or his legal team to allow him the opportunity to address these damaging accusations.”

In 2019, following the airing of the documentary Surviving R. Kelly, Buku Abi described her father as a monster in a post on Instagram. This earlier documentary featured stories from women alleging that Kelly exploited his power to engage in sexual and physical abuse of women and minors.

Abi clarified in her post that she did not intend to harm anyone with her words and expressed her prayers for all those impacted by her father’s behavior. She mentioned her estranged relationship with R. Kelly and her hesitation to comment on his behalf. Additionally, she stated:

“I am not comfortable handling my personal issues through social media, but I feel like things are becoming increasingly problematic.”

Jennifer Bonjean: A Seasoned Legal Professional

Bonjean’s profile reveals that she pursued her education in music at DePaul University and the Manhattan School of Music before transitioning to law studies at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Hailing from Valparaiso, Indiana, Bonjean began her career as an intern in the Capital Litigation Division of the Illinois State Appellate Defenders Office, eventually moving to the Trial Division of the Cook County Public Defender’s office.

Her commitment to justice was exemplified when she took on the case of Jason Gray, a 15-year-old boy sentenced to life for triple murder. Over nearly a decade, Bonjean fought tirelessly to prove his innocence, which led to his release in 2006.

Additionally, she volunteered with the YWCA’s women’s services division, taking on roles as a rape crisis counselor and advocate for victims’ rights. Bonjean has also made her presence known on platforms like CNN and Investigation Discovery.

Further Responses from Jennifer Bonjean About Abi’s Allegations

In the recent documentary, an emotional Buku Abi recounted her experiences and stated:

“He was my everything. For a long time, I struggled to accept that anything had happened. I couldn’t conceive that he, even as a flawed person, would harm me. I was too scared to confide in anyone, including my mom.”

Though Bonjean initially responded to these allegations in her statement to People magazine, she addressed them again during her appearance on the show Banfield on October 12, 2024. Bonjean asserted that emotional claims do not equate to truth, stating:

“He is likely the most scrutinized individual in these matters globally. I’m uncertain why this is being brought up again. He firmly denies it… Prosecutors would have relished the chance to have his daughter testify against him during the various prosecutions he faced.”

R. Kelly received a 20-year prison sentence in February of the previous year, stemming from convictions related to child p*rnography and enticing minors for sexual purposes. Earlier, in 2021, he was sentenced to 30 years for racketeering and sex trafficking offenses.

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