*On Father’s Day, singer-songwriter India.Arie and her mother, Joyce Simpson, hit up social media to share a painful family story. In a candid Instagram post, the artist reflected on her complex relationship with her father, Ralph Simpson, and her mother spoke openly about alleged abuse that has haunted their family.
India.Arie noted that she has spent years healing from her father’s impact. “I’m not posting this today to tell you that I’m struggling, because I’m not,” she wrote. “I’ve spent my entire adult life working through my issues with my father. I’ve come a long way.”
Joyce’s powerful voice recording, shared via India’s Substack, detailed the trauma she alleges stemmed from Ralph, a former professional basketball player in the ABA and NBA during the 1970s, not to be confused with the Houston Rockets’ Ralph Sampson.
Joyce detailed how Ralph was physically and sexually abusive and had assaulted their daughter. “I’ve kept this secret for over 45 years,” she said, describing how she allowed Ralph to maintain a public facade as a father while hiding his actions.
She referenced India’s song “Get It Together,” which reflects the abuse the artist endured as a child, and revealed the toll it took, including canceled tour dates for medical care.
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“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.
“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. You, Ralph Simpson, there will be no Father’s Day cards for you or calls or texts from India,” she shared.
Despite the pain, Joyce noted that India, with her “infinite wisdom,” dissuaded her from suicidal thoughts, saying, “Mom, if you do that, then you’ll be gone forever too.”
Joyce also revealed that their son, J’On Simpson, currently supports Ralph financially. While unable to fully forgive, she expressed a hope for healing, stating, “I don’t want to see anybody suffer. Not even you.”
Their message aims to break a cycle of trauma, declaring, “The family curse stops here.”
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