The reporting of allegations of abuse against film executive Harvey Weinstein has sparked women to begin to pull back the curtain on other industries, too. On Friday, ex-Pussycat Dolls singer Kaya Jones said in a series of tweets that the group was a “prostitution ring” run by its creator, a woman named Robin Antin, who Jones said forced members to “sleep with whoever they say.”
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
How bad was it?people ask-bad enough that I walked away from my dreams,bandmates&a 13 million dollar record deal.We knew we were going to#1
— Kaya Jones (@KayaJones) October 13, 2017
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
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
Yes I said leverage. Meaning after they turn you out or get you hooked on drugs they use it against you.Correct.Victimizing the victim again
— Kaya Jones (@KayaJones) October 13, 2017
Why don’t we report it? Because we are all abused! I personally have been warned if I tell I will … you know end up dead or no more career
— Kaya Jones (@KayaJones) October 13, 2017
As Jones’ second tweet implies, she left the group before the release of its debut album in 2005. Antin, who has continued to manage the Pussycat Dolls brand even after the dissolution of the pop group, told a gossip site called The Blast that Jones’ claims are “disgusting, ridiculous lies.”
Update: The Pussycat Dolls released a statement shortly after Jones’ tweets strenuously denying her claims and defending Robin Antin, who a PR person confirmed to Spin also had input on the statement. It reads in full:
“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.”
– The Pussycat Dolls
