Drea Kelly, ex-wife of the disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly, isn’t backing down from public criticism over her decision to keep his last name.
In a candid conversation with Carlos King, the choreographer and former Creative Director for R. Kelly’s performances laid out her reasons, framing the choice as both personal and purposeful.
Comparisons to Tina Turner, who famously fought to keep her name after divorcing Ike Turner, are often drawn. While Turner’s contributions are celebrated, some detractors question whether Drea’s decision carries similar weight.
Drea, however, was quick to remind her critics of her contributions:
“I brought a whole womb. I birthed children. I danced on stage with Robert just like Tina sang with Ike.”
More Than a Name
Drea also spoke passionately about the power her last name holds as a platform for advocacy.
“The last name Kelly gets 20/20 to follow me, the last name Kelly gets me on CNN to talk about domestic violence awareness and be an advocate,” she explained. “If my name wasn’t Kelly, you wouldn’t even care.”
By holding onto the name, Drea believes she’s amplifying her voice for others experiencing abuse:
“This name has allowed me to step onto military bases and talk about domestic violence, to represent women whose voices aren’t heard because they don’t have a famous last name.”
A Mother’s Stand
For Drea, the decision is also deeply tied to her role as a mother.
She points out that her children still carry the Kelly name and feels a responsibility to stand by them:
“If my kids gotta go through it as Kelly, their mama’s going through it as Kelly. I earned this name in blood, sweat, and tears. It’s our name, and I don’t give a f**k what anyone feels about it.”
Advocating Beyond the Headlines
As the public grapples with R. Kelly’s tarnished legacy, Drea’s decision underscores a larger conversation about identity, survival, and advocacy.
For Drea Kelly, the name is more than a reminder of her past—it’s a tool for change and a testament to resilience.
