India.Arie and Her Mother Speak Out About Years of Alleged Abuse by Her Father: “The Family Curse Stops Here”
On Father’s Day 2025, singer-songwriter India.Arie and her mother, Joyce Simpson, shared a powerful and painful family truth with the world — one they’ve held close for over four decades.
In an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, June 15, India.Arie, 49, opened up about her long, complicated journey toward healing from trauma related to her father, Ralph Simpson — not to be confused with the similarly named former NBA player Ralph Sampson. Arie also gave space to her mother, who for the first time publicly shared her own story of alleged abuse at the hands of Simpson, who was her husband and the father of their children.
“A Family Story”
In her post, India.Arie wrote,
“I’m not posting this today to tell you that I’m struggling, because I’m not. I’ve spent my entire adult life working through my issues with my father. I’ve come a long way.”
She explained that while she’s found her own peace, her mother is still coming to terms with what she lived through — and that they are standing together in telling a “deeply personal, shared story.”
On her Substack, Arie shared a voice recording of Joyce Simpson, who gave a detailed account of the abuse she alleges she endured during her marriage.
Joyce Simpson’s Heartbreaking Testimony
In the audio message, Simpson says she stayed silent for 45 years, hiding what she described as both physical and sexual abuse — including rape, which she notes was often dismissed in the context of marriage. She also accused Ralph Simpson of sexually abusing their daughter and financially exploiting their son, J’On Simpson.
“No Father’s Day for you, Ralph Simpson,” she stated.
“A secret has a stench that can rot a family from the inside out… The family curse stops here.”
Simpson said she spent years watching her daughter struggle both emotionally and physically, often having to cancel performances to seek medical care. She referenced Arie’s song “Get It Together,” which was inspired by her childhood trauma.
A History of Silence, A Moment of Courage
Joyce Simpson also revealed that her pain once pushed her to the brink, admitting that she considered taking her ex-husband’s life. She credits her daughter with talking her down.
“She said, ‘Mom, if you do that, then you’ll be gone forever too.’”
Despite the severity of the allegations, Simpson said she prays for him, even if she cannot forgive.
“I don’t want to see anybody suffer. Not even you. I know we all just want to be okay.”
India.Arie’s Ongoing Healing Journey
India.Arie, who previously took a step back from touring in 2024 to prioritize her mental and emotional health, has been open in recent years about the importance of healing generational trauma. Sunday’s message makes clear that this healing is still ongoing — and that her family is choosing honesty over silence.
As difficult as these revelations are, the message carries a tone of empowerment, protection, and closure.
“The family curse stops here,” Simpson said with conviction. “We’re telling the truth — for us, and for future generations.”