Andrea Kelly


Andrea Danyell Kelly, known professionally as Drea, is an American choreographer, dancer and actress. She is the ex-wife of singer-songwriter R. Kelly.

Background and personal life

Andrea Danyell Lee was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 28, 1974. In 1996, Drea, then aged 22, married singer–songwriter R. Kelly in Colorado. Prior to their marriage, Drea was a backup dancer for Kelly. Together Drea and Kelly have three children; Joann, Jaah and Robert, Jr.. Drea changed her last name from Lee to Kelly. Drea filed a restraining order against Kelly in September 2005 after he assaulted her when she told him she wanted a divorce. She filed for divorce in 2006, it was finalized in 2009.
In 2014, Drea married 36-year-old barber and R&B singer Brian Mckee, whom she divorced after just two months of marriage after allegations surfaced that he was having an affair.
In 2018, Drea revealed on The View that R. Kelly emotionally and physically abused her throughout their marriage. She stated the abuse became so severe that she contemplated suicide. Drea detailed an incident where Kelly assaulted her in the back of his Hummer, and as a result she suffers from PTSD. Another time, Kelly "hogtied" her in bed, raped her, and fell asleep while she was still tied. She stated her motive for speaking out many years after their divorce is to help other victims of domestic violence, "it's about saving lives."

Filmography

Film

Television

Videography

Cameo appearances

Books