Kelly Rowland’s strained relationship with her father became tabloid fodder back in 2011 when the “X Factor” judge had a nervous breakdown and revealed her mental anguish over him having left her family when she was a child. Now, shockingly, Rowland’s father is claiming that he never left her and that it was Rowland’s mother who took their daughter away from him.
In a new interview with Star Magazine, Rowland’s father, Christopher Lovett, claims that his wife, Rowland’s mother, Doris, took their daughter from him and didn’t leave him a forwarding address. He claims that he hasn’t seen Rowland since then, when she was seven-years-old.
“So many previous years have passed and I’m getting old,” says Lovett, 67. “I just pray she comes back into my life before it’s too late.”
Lovett admits that Doris had good reason to leave him because of his drinking problem as well the verbal abuse against her, which Rowland witnessed.
“I couldn’t control it,” Lovett revealed. “I hoped I could make it up to her. But I’m still waiting for that day.”
Sadly enough, that cycle of abuse would continue with Rowland, who revealed earlier this year that she was in an abusive relationship with an ex-boyfriend.
Lovett claims that he’s repeatedly tried to reach out to Rowland, but has been unsuccessful in meeting her,
“Whenever [Destiny’s Child] was on the cover of a magazine, I would call and beg them to tell her I was looking for her,” he says.
Rowland previously revealed that Lovett has indeed tried to contact her, but said that she wasn’t disappointed that he did it so publicly. However, she explained that she still wanted to meet him.
“I want to meet him, and soon, I really do. I forgave him a long time ago,” Rowland said.
We’re not sure how Rowland feels now on the matter but Lovett left one final message for his daughter with Star.
“I love you with all my heart,” said Lovett about Rowland.
Well, we’re not exactly sold on Lovett’s story of being pushed out of the picture but perhaps this will be the catalyst for a long-awaited reunion between father and daughter. And Rowland certainly isn’t alone. Check out some other stars who grew up without their fathers below. – nicholas robinson
