One of R. Kelly’s alleged victims is not only defending him, but she says she is engaged to the singer. It may not make sense on paper, but an expert explains how this is common in the cycle of abuse.

• A new letter filed on 13 June has revealed R Kelly’s engagement to Joycelyn Savage.
• Savage is one of the singer’s live-in girlfriends, and thought to be an alleged victim.
• Savage wrote the letter ahead of the star’s sentencing but he was ultimately handed a 30-year sentence in the sex abuse case on 29 June.

R Kelly is engaged to Joycelyn Savage, according to reports by several publications.

Citing a letter, E! News reports the aspiring singer penned ahead of the R&B giant’s sentencing, dated 13 June, she wrote: “My name is Joycelyn Savage, and I’m Robert Kelly’s fiancé. I’m writing this letter in support of Robert in advance of his sentencing, so I can explain to the court that I’m not the victim that the government has portrayed me to be.”

Asking the court for a more lenient sentence for her fiancé, she said the singer was the “best thing that’s ever happened to me,” adding: “Robert is not the monster that the government has described him to be. The Robert I know is very sweet, gentle, and kind.”

With Savage thought to be an alleged victim of the star’s abuse, she called the allegations against him and the narrative around her “absolutely untrue”.

“I’m a grown woman, and can speak for myself which is why I wanted to provide this letter to the court,” she said. “[Kelly] is a great man, with a great heart and deserves to be home with his loved ones who are ready to support him.”

R Kelly was found guilty of all nine charges against him, including racketeering, bribery, coercion, enticement and sex trafficking. For decades the singer recruited and trapped underage girls and women for sex. On 29 June, he was handed a 30-year sentence for his crimes.