[Saph]

A former member of The Pussycat Dolls has now claimed that the band – previously fronted by X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger – was used as a front for a "prostitution ring".

Kaya Jones, who joined the group as a teenager in 2003 before leaving in 2005, has claimed entertainment executives took advantage of the girlband, alleging they were "all abused" and had pressure put on them to "sleep with whoever they say".

In a series of tweets, the 33-year-old claims that Robin Antin, the founder of Pussycat Dolls, "made all the money" along with their record label, whereas the group "were paid $500 (£376) a week" while being "used and abused".

"My truth. I wasn't in a girl group. I was in a prostitution ring. Oh & we happened to sing & be famous.



"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.

"To be a part of the team you must be a team player. Meaning sleep with whoever they say."



Jones, who quit the Pussycat Dolls in 2005, continued: "Abuse is abuse. Doesn't matter if it's mental, physical or emotional. Music industry needs a cleansing.

"I hope more women & men come out & share their abuse & pain. We must shine a light on this issue in the entertainment business."

Following the comments, Robin Antin has refuted Jones' accusations, telling The Blast that Kaya Jones is "clearly looking for her 15 minutes", adding that the claims are "disgusting, ridiculous lies".

Antin added that the singer was only on trial and never actually an official member of the group, which Nicole Scherzinger and Melody Thornton joined in 2003 alongside Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta and Kimberly Wyatt.

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