On Father’s Day, Grammy-winning singer India.Arie and her mother, Joyce Simpson, went public with deeply personal allegations, alleging abuse from the singer’s father for years.
In an emotional Instagram post, India.Arie addressed what she described as a painful relationship with her father, Ralph Simpson, a former professional basketball player who competed in the ABA and NBA during the 1970s.
“I’m not posting this today to tell you that I’m struggling, because I’m not,” she wrote in the below post. “I’ve spent my entire adult life working through my issues with my father. I’ve come a long way.”
The “Video” singer’s mother, Joyce Simpson, shared more detailed allegations in an audio message posted on the artist’s Substack. In it, Joyce accuses Ralph Simpson of physical and sexual abuse, saying that he also violated their daughter.
“I’ve kept this secret for over 45 years,” Joyce said. She described allowing Ralph to maintain a public image as a father while hiding the alleged abuse. “I stayed quiet. I still allowed you to publicly be the father that you appeared to be and not the sick father that you are.”
Joyce then mentioned India.Arie’s song “Get It Together,” which she said recalls the abuse the artist endured as a child. She also described the toll it took on her daughter’s health and career.
“I watched India for years on the national, international stages before and after her concerts. I watched her cancel some of her tour dates because she needed to receive medical care. She just struggled. She struggled,” Joyce said.
“There will be no Father’s Day cards for you or calls or texts from India,” she added, directly addressing Ralph.
Joyce also revealed that the couple’s son, J’On Simpson, currently provides financial support to Ralph. “I don’t want to see anybody suffer. Not even you,” she said, adding that she does not forgive him.