Joycelyn Savage, one of R. Kellys girlfriends who has been estranged from her family for several years, contacted her parents Wednesday, soon after the singers bizarre interview with CBS This Morning.
Gerald Griggs, an attorney for the Savage family whose attempts to reconnect with their daughter were featured in the docuseries Surviving R. Kelly tweeted that Joycelyn reached out to her parents by phone after Kellys interview and reiterated that she remains with Kelly by choice. According to Griggs, it was the first time they spoke to her since 2017. Savages parents have long claimed that Kelly has brainwashed their daughter into staying with him.
We are glad to finally hear from Joycelyn today, Griggs tells Rolling Stone. After speaking with her little sister, Joycelyn paused from the seemingly prepared script and was able to share her love for her family. We hope that today was the first step to re-establishing a loving relationship with her family.
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In video of the phone call, Savage appeared to recite a prepared message to her parents. I have told you guys a million, million times that I am OK where I am and Im happy, so I just want to let you know that, Joycelyn said.
However, when her younger sister hopped on the phone call, Joycelyn became silent; Joycelyn then said she loved her sibling before asking that her parents come back on the phone. When her mother reentered the conversation, Joycelyn repeated the million, million times statement again.
#BREAKING: After her parents press conference about #RKellys interview this morning, Joycelyn Savage calls their lawyer @AttorneyGriggs office: Ive told you guys a million million times Im okay where I am, and Im happy. @wsbradio @kiss1041fm pic.twitter.com/3kwEpc2q2r
Veronica Waters (@MissVWaters) March 6, 2019
She would have called home by now. She would have called my mom, my dad, my little sister, Joycelyns 18-year-old sister Jailyn said at a press conference Wednesday. I know for a fact that my sister is not OK. R. Kelly is mentally destroying her. I just want her home. He has put a lot of things in her head that makes her think the world is out to get her.
A rep for Kelly declined to comment on the phone conversation or Griggs statement.
Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary, another of Kellys girlfriends estranged from her family, will appear on Fridays episode of CBS This Morning to discuss their seemingly consensual relationship with Kelly.
Joycelyns father Timothy Savage tweeted Wednesday prior to his daughters phone call, Today on CBS This Morning Robert Kelly has had a emotional breakdown. We need to stay in prayer for R. Kelly and we need to stay in prayer for Joycelyn savage and Azriel [Clary].
In Kellys erratic interview with Gayle King, the singer insinuated that the girls families handed the women over to him for financial gain.
Both Griggs and Michael Avanetti, a lawyer for the Clary family, denied Kellys claim:
At no point did the Savages sell #JoycelynSavage to @rkelly. No money was ever requested or given to the Savages. Stop the lies or show the receipts. #RKelly. Tim Savage has never met R Kelly. #SurvivingRKelly. pic.twitter.com/JppNauinwt
Gerald A. Griggs (@AttorneyGriggs) March 6, 2019
Below please find a further statement from my clients Alice and Angelo Clary in response to the R. Kelly interview. pic.twitter.com/eg9R7dt0l1
Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) March 6, 2019