Iyanla Vanzant Says Black Elders Abandoned R. Kelly

Iyanla Vanzant apologized to R. Kelly on Thursday for what she described as a failure by Black community leaders to support the singer during his rise to fame. The spiritual adviser made the remarks during a segment on The Jason Lee Show, directly addressing Kelly on his behalf. She asked for forgiveness for ignoring his pain and for being unavailable to guide him.

Vanzant stated that the responsibility for this failure was not hers alone. She argued that the wider community turned its back on the artist. "Our entire community abandoned him," she said. "As an elder, I’m going to own it. We did. We abandoned him."

The apology focused on the people who profited from Kelly’s music and business dealings. Vanzant questioned why those who earned money from his success did not offer basic support. She specifically cited reports that Kelly struggled with reading. "How many people made how much money on him and nobody had enough compassion for their brother to sit him down two, three times a week to teach him how to read?" she asked.

Kelly is currently serving an effective 31-year federal prison sentence. He was convicted in separate cases involving the sexual exploitation of women and underage girls. Vanzant’s comments did not challenge these convictions or suggest that the singer should be released from custody. She maintained that her apology addressed the lack of guidance while he was active in the music industry.

Many survivors of Kelly’s alleged abuse spoke publicly about their experiences for years before his conviction. Black women and advocates who raised concerns often faced criticism while pushing for their accounts to be taken seriously. Vanzant’s remarks did not erase these experiences or minimize the harm caused by Kelly’s actions. The survivors' stories remain central to the legacy of the singer.

The spiritual adviser’s comments add a new perspective to the ongoing discussion about Kelly’s career. She is asking why more people did not intervene to offer guidance before his situation deteriorated. The apology places focus on the relationship between the community and the individuals who held power and resources around the artist.