Chicago, June 23, 2025 – Joycelyn Savage, the fiancée of incarcerated R&B singer R. Kelly, released a video statement on June 22, 2025, vehemently denying claims by her family that she is a victim, sex slave, or brainwashed. The 29-year-old hit back after her parents expressed concerns over her well-being and opposed Kelly’s recent push for a presidential pardon, alleging she remains under his influence.

In the video, shared with TMZ, Savage stated, “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 emphasized her decade-long relationship with Kelly, noting they have been engaged for three years and plan to marry and start a family. Savage urged the public to disregard her family’s “lies” and asked for continued prayers for Kelly, who is serving a 31-year sentence for racketeering, sex trafficking, and child pornography convictions.

Her family’s attorney, Gerald Griggs, had claimed to TMZ that Savage had been missing since 2019, with no direct contact, only messages from alleged representatives. This followed their public stance against Kelly’s pardon request, citing his lack of accountability. Savage’s video directly contradicted these claims, reigniting a years-long feud that gained attention during the 2019 Surviving R. Kelly documentary, where her parents accused Kelly of holding her in a “sex cult.”

The statement comes amid Kelly’s ongoing legal battles, including a recent hospital stay after a reported medication overdose in prison, which his attorneys claim was due to staff negligence. Kelly’s team also alleged threats against his life by white supremacist gang members, prompting his pardon plea to President Donald Trump.

Social media reactions on X were mixed, with some users supporting Savage’s autonomy, while others questioned her claims, referencing Kelly’s history of abuse allegations. One post read, “Joycelyn Savage says she’s ‘fine’ and ‘in love,’ but her family hasn’t heard from her in years. Sounds suspect.” Another defended her, stating, “Let her live her truth. #FREERKELLY.”

The controversy underscores the complex dynamics surrounding Kelly’s case, with Savage’s video adding fuel to an already polarized debate. As investigations into Kelly’s prison conditions continue, Savage’s public defense of their relationship remains a focal point of scrutiny.