Yahoo News Pussycat Dolls deny they fronted for prostitution ring
The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct that some readers may find distressing.
The Pussycat Dolls have come back together to strenuously deny allegations that they were once a front for a "prostitution ring".
Those allegations came from former member Kaya Jones, who said that the Pussycat Dolls were "all abused" in their early days and were pressured to have sex with "whoever" those with power over them demanded.
Pussycat Dolls founder and creative director Robin Antin immediately branded Jones's claims as "disgusting, ridiculous lies", and now Nicole Scherzinger and her one-time bandmates have released a joint statement as well.
(Kaya Jones)
The 'When I Grow Up' girl group said on Wednesday (October 18): "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."
Their statement continued with a message of sympathy for former bandmate Kaya Jones, despite disagreeing with the explosive accusations she made earlier in the week.
"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 Pussycat Dolls wrote.
"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."
Kaya Jones also claimed this week that she was sexually assaulted by a record executive during her time with the group, one of several traumatic experiences that ultimately convinced her to walk away from the Dolls.
Jones joined the group in 2003, but departed before the Pussycat Dolls' first album PCD was released in the autumn of 2005.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of sexual violence. If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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