Drea Kelly Defends Decision to Keep Last Name

Drea Kelly recently discussed her tumultuous marriage to R. Kelly in an emotional interview with Carlos King, addressing the lengthy criticism regarding her decision to retain his last name post-divorce. Married in 1996 and divorced in 2006, Drea shared that her past experiences of abuse from her family influenced her prolonged stay in the relationship, leading to feelings of unworthiness and helplessness. She defended her professional contributions as a choreographer and creative director, highlighting the work she did alongside R. Kelly, and emphasized that she 'earned' her name through her struggles. Drea also articulated the importance of keeping the name for the sake of her three children, who bear the Kelly surname, and asserted her right to advocate for domestic violence awareness using her platform. She expressed frustration towards critics who do not understand her situation, asserting that she has the right to define her identity, regardless of public opinion. The interview sheds light on the complexities of navigating abusive relationships and the societal perceptions surrounding them.