Grace Kelley, daughter of country star Wynonna Judd, has recently opened up about a painful chapter in her life. In an interview with The Daily Progress, she accused her stepfather, D.R. Roach, of sexually abusing her when she was just 10 years old. Judd married Roach in 2003, but she filed for divorce in 2007 after he was arrested for sexual battery against a minor.
Kelley described a moment in therapy when counselors discovered what Roach had done. They took immediate action, reporting it to law enforcement. She stated, “When he was arrested and it came out in the news, that’s when she divorced him.” Kelley expressed deep pain, saying, “So is my mom rich? Yeah, she’s so rich that she was able to sweep me under the rug and abuse me and then cover it all up.”
Roach is listed in the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry, with his offense noted on February 1, 2007. In a previous interview, Judd addressed Roach’s arrest, saying he was “out of the house within the hour” and hinted at deeper issues that were too painful to discuss.
Grace and her brother Elijah are from Judd’s first marriage to Arch Kelley III. Kelley has been open about her struggles; she spent time in 14 different facilities between ages 12 and 17. She faced significant legal challenges, including two arrests last year following an earlier eight-year prison sentence for violating probation related to a drug charge.
Now, Kelley believes it’s her time to share her truth. She emphasized, “I never had a voice, and I was iffy about talking about all this stuff, but no matter what is said about me, the Bible says the truth will set you free.”
Recent discussions on social media have shown a mix of support and skepticism about Kelley’s claims. Some fans of Judd express concern for the family, while others call for accountability. Recent statistics indicate an increase in reporting of sexual abuse cases, highlighting a growing awareness and willingness to speak out.
As the conversation continues, Kelley’s story reminds us of the importance of addressing difficult issues and the complexities within family dynamics. For additional insights, you can refer to sources like the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry (link) and articles that discuss the rising trend of survivors coming forward with their stories, fostering a deeper understanding of this pressing issue.