The Pussycat Dolls have responded to a claim that they were a “prostitution ring,” saying that they “cannot stand behind false allegations towards other group members partaking in activities that simply did not take place.”
“The Pussycat Dolls has always and will always stand for female empowerment and sisterhood,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday, according to Entertainment Weekly. “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 statement continued, “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.”
Kaya Jones, a former member of the Pussycat Dolls, came forward with explosive allegations last week, saying that the girl group acted as a “prostitution ring.”
“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 $,” Jones, who left the group in 2005, tweeted Friday.
However, Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin strongly denied the allegations, telling The Blast that they were “disgusting, ridiculous lies” told by someone who’s “clearly looking for her 15 minutes.”
The group, led by Nicole Scherzinger, also addressed Jones’ claims in the statement:
“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,” said the Pussycat Dolls. “If Kaya experienced something we are unaware of then we fully encourage her to get the help she needs and are here to support her.”
Read the group’s statement below. TheWrap has reached out for comment.
The Pussycat Dolls has always and will always stand for female empowerment and sisterhood. 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.
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. 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. If Kaya experienced something we are unaware of then we fully encourage her to get the help she needs and are here to support her.
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. Should any member or associate allude to any form of abuse or harassment whatsoever, it will be taken very seriously and investigated.
We truly wish Kaya the best and hope she gets the help she deserves.