Joycelyn Savage’s family has issued a firm response to R. Kelly’s recent request for a presidential pardon. Their attorney, Gerald Griggs, confirmed that they “should absolutely not be pardoned.”
Griggs emphasized the family’s deep concern. He said they worry Joycelyn has been “missing for years” and may still be under R. Kelly’s “grip” and “control.””
The family has not spoken with Joycelyn directly since a “short phone call” in 2019. Griggs shared, “They hope she’s healthy, and would love nothing more than to hear from her directly.”
They praised the court system for delivering justice. They said Kelly “deserved to be punished for his crimes” and should serve every day of his sentence.
Court Relief, Family Concerns
Griggs also made clear that the family is alarmed by the pardon plea. They believe Kelly “has never taken accountability” for his convictions.
Joycelyn’s parents, Timothy and Jonjelyn Savage, have repeatedly said they last spoke with her in 2019. They described that call as “scripted” and mediated by Kelly’s team.
Timothy Savage previously said, “We have to always reach out through [Kelly’s] camp,” when contacting their daughter about their grandfather’s passing. Jonjelyn added that calls felt rehearsed and that she “would like to have a one‑on‑one discussion” with Joycelyn.
The family argues that any pardon would effectively block further efforts to recover their daughter. They said Kelly’s continued influence over Joycelyn keeps her out of reach.
R. Kelly’s Legal Team Responds
Kelly’s attorneys appear focused on his own welfare. They have not commented on Joycelyn’s status. They recently raised concerns about Kelly’s prison conditions, citing alleged threats and medical neglect.
In early June, his lawyers claimed he was approached for a murder-for-hire plot behind bars and forcibly medicated. They argue these dangers support urgent steps like home confinement or a pardon.