Dancer and choreographer Andrea Kelly announced her plans to write a memoir using R. Kelly and Diddy’s names. She announced it via Instagram on October 5, 2024, sharing a video accompanied by narration and dramatic music. Her upcoming book, Under the Red Carpet, is the focus, and the caption sheds light on her motivation.
Andrea Kelly explained that she had grown weary of the falsehoods and was writing the book to disrupt the deception surrounding her. She also emphasized that it was the right moment to speak without fear. However, netizens had mixed reactions to her announcement. An Instagram user wrote:
“Y’all hate a black woman telling her truth. Y’all realize even though she food surviving R Kelly it was only a small bit of life. She was only 5-10% of the documentary. Let her speak and if you don’t like it run away.”
A section of social media users appeared to encourage Andrea Kelly, as many motivated her to proceed with the book.
“Speak it Queen!!!! It will definitely help others @officialdreakelly WE ARE BEHIND YOU A beautiful soul. I’m so glad to have met you In person”
“I'm sure her book has nothing to do with "Money." It's called "Freedom!" Who cares about how long it took for her to write it. Sharing a testimony on abuse doesn't have an expiration date and it definitely isn't easy.”
“Tell your story! We stand with you!”
While a section of social media users defended Andrea Kelly, others raised questions about the timing of her book.
“The amount of blk woman in the comments talking shit about her and HER experience is wild. Loud & ignorant typical”
“My only thing is why now? Why wasn’t all of this revealed when it happened ijs?”
“I’m sorry to say this ma’am but Jay z name should not be in your mouth & neither should Diddy’s name unless you have first hand experience with them that you’re comfortable with sharing.”
Andrea Kelly claimed that her book would set ‘many’ free
Andrea Kelly stated that Under the Red Carpet would also expose others in the industry. She claimed the book would liberate those who had been silenced. The book also promises to explore her relationship and divorce from R. Kelly. She wrote in the caption:
“No more forcing a smile to get thru the pain of being me. No more “be nice” to please an unpleasant world. My book is going to set so many free and if you have a problem….it’s not with me! Take it up with GOD. This is HIS will and it is so”
The video featured multiple images and clips of Diddy, including some where he was seen alongside R. Kelly, who was found guilty of several charges related to child s*xual abuse in 2022 and is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence. Andrea Kelly faced much slander and speculation due to her marriage to the singer.
She worked as a backup dancer for R. Kelly, and they have three children, daughters Joann and Jaah, and son Robert Jr. She filed for divorce in 2006, and it was finalized in 2009. Reportedly, the two parties signed an NDA.