Drea Kelly Claps Back at Criticism Over Keeping R. Kelly’s Last Name [Video]

Drea Kelly is speaking her truth.

In a conversation with Carlos King, she addressed the criticism she’s faced for keeping R. Kelly’s last name after their split and opened up about the painful reasons behind her decision. During the interview, she explained she earned the name in blood, sweat and tears.

“It’s my kid’s name. “When all the s*** hit the fan, how would you feel if your name is Brown and your kids’ name is Brown, and your family goes through something? You tell your kids, ‘Oh, you’re a Brown by yourself; I’m out.’ … No. If my kids have to go through it as Kelly, they mama going through it as Kelly.”

“And here’s the real gag,” she continued. “Boo, if my name wasn’t Kelly you wouldn’t even care… ‘Case Ms. Jones is going through the same thing I’m going through right now. Ms. White is going through it. Ms. Anderson is going through it, but y’all don’t care about it; y’all not on her page commenting; you’re not trying to be an advocate; you’re being nosey. You know why? Because my last name is Kelly.”

She went on to explain how the last name has given her the platform to speak out on important topics like DV and abuse.

“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. The last name Kelly allowed me to go on military bases and talk about abuse…and here’s the real gag; Boo, if my name wasn’t Kelly you wouldn’t even care…’cuz Ms. Jones is going through the same thing I’m going through right now, Ms. White is going through it, Ms. Anderson is going through it, but ya’ll dont care about it, ya’ll not on her page commenting, you’re not trying to be an advocate, you’re being nosey. You know why? Because my last name is Kelly.”

It’s clear that she has every right to keep her last name. Drea’s been through more than most of us can imagine, and she’s still standing strong.