The Pussycat Dolls have denied allegations that the fiery ’00s girl group was really a covert prostitution ring.
Kaya Jones, who either left the group or was axed before it blew up with “Don’t Cha” in 2005, shocked Twitter with claims she and other members had been “abused” and forced to “sleep with whoever they say” during her time in the band.
Now, the other members, led by Nicole Scherzinger, have released a statement slamming the allegations.
My truth.I wasn’t in a girl group. I was in a prostitution ring.Oh & we happened to sing & be famous. While everyone who owned us made the $
— Kaya Jones (@KayaJones) October 13, 2017
“The Pussycat Dolls has always and will always stand for female empowerment and sisterhood,” the statement began.
“We stand in solidarity with all women who have bravely spoken publicly of their horrific experiences of abuse, harassment and exploitation. However, we cannot stand behind false allegations towards other group members partaking in activities that simply did not take place.”
The dolls didn’t outright deny Kaya had been abused but maintained other members had not been abused or that they were treated as members of a “prostitution ring.”
To be apart of the team you must be a team player.Meaning sleep with whoever they say.If you dont they have nothing on you to leverage
— Kaya Jones (@KayaJones) October 13, 2017
“While we were not aware of Kaya’s experiences that allegedly took place during her short time working with us, before the group signed a recording contract, we can firmly testify that we were not privy to any misconduct taking place around us,” the group added.
“To liken our professional roles in The Pussycat Dolls to a prostitution ring not only undermines everything we worked hard to achieve for all those years but also takes the spotlight off the millions of victims who are speaking up and being heard loud and clear around the world.”
The dolls also denied the group’s founder, Robin Antin, was the “den mother from hell” and that she drove a member from another of her groups, G.R.L. singer Simone Battle, to suicide.
I want the den mother from hell to confess why another 1 of her girl group girls committed suicide?Tell the public how you mentally broke us
— Kaya Jones (@KayaJones) October 13, 2017
“Since its inception, The Pussycat Dolls and founder Robin Antin have supported and empowered women from all walks of life to flourish in their careers,” they added. “Should any member or associate allude to any form of abuse or harassment whatsoever, it will be taken very seriously and investigated.”
In summary: “Don’t Cha” go making false allegations!
The complete statement from The Pussycat Dolls is available on Entertainment Weekly.