Back then, there wasn’t any “me too” movement, no protection for anyone. You’d sign countless NDAs and contracts stripping away your rights, leaving you powerless in that environment.
Aubrey O’Day, formerly of Danity Kane, recently confirmed allegations about Diddy’s involvement in trafficking within the industry. Reports suggest Diddy attempted to push the group towards drugs and exploitation. What’s staggering is Aubrey’s persistent accusations against Diddy over the years, only gaining traction when Cassie filed a lawsuit against him. Even Diddy’s former bodyguard, Jean Deal, corroborated Aubrey’s claims, revealing shocking details beyond imagination.
For those unfamiliar, Danity Kane was a girl group formed in the early 2000s during MTV’s Making the Band. Comprising Andrea, D, Woods, Shannon, Don, and Aubrey, they were signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy Records. Yet, tensions, especially between Diddy and Aubrey, quickly escalated. Aubrey refused to tolerate Diddy’s mistreatment and would confront him, only to face his wrath and character attacks.
“I’ve finished my part, but let’s discuss your preferences. My focus is on what our group should represent and how I can contribute effectively to that image. It seems you have a penchant for bold hairstyles, particularly big hair. Personally, I don’t share that preference. I also have specific makeup preferences that may differ from yours. However, I’m flexible and willing to work with whatever styles you suggest. Whether my hair is straight or curly doesn’t define my role in the group. My main priority is singing harmoniously with the group. Perhaps there’s been a misunderstanding about my perspective.
Later on, Aubrey revealed some troubling details about Diddy’s behavior. She claimed he made advances towards them in private and subjected them to verbal and psychological abuse when rejected. What’s worse, it’s been alleged that Diddy pressured them into signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to keep his actions under wraps. Recently, amid Diddy’s decision to return publishing rights to his artists after years of exploitation, rumors about the NDAs resurfaced. Before Cassie filed her lawsuit, Diddy attempted damage control by urging artists to sign NDAs. However, Aubrey and others refused, sensing trouble ahead. She warned her peers against giving up their right to speak out.”
“I have to let go of any claims or wrongdoing on his part before the release date. Also, I’m required to sign an NDA promising not to speak negatively about Puff, Bad Boy, Janis Colmes, Justin Colmes, their music, or EMI or Sony in public.”
“So you just got this recently? I got it a few months back when he started rolling it out.”
“What’s happening is, some artists, not all, are getting back streaming royalties and ownership of the songs they wrote. But let’s face it, you practically need a million streams just to earn a cent. As someone who’s all about women supporting each other, I reached out to everyone in my circle, telling them not to take this deal. I even suggested I could get us a show on Hulu.”
Baby Aubrey was serious about this, and later, Diddy’s ex-bodyguard, Jean Deal, confirmed that Danity Kane were the only ones who refused to sign that NDA.
“So did Diddy make his artists and employees sign NDAs?”
“Well, a lot of these rappers and industry folks, especially in the internet age, use NDAs. It means if you’re working with them, you can’t spill any beans. That’s what he gave to all his artists when he handed back their publishing.”
“I’ll give you all your publishing rights, but there’s one condition: don’t mention Janice Colmes, Justin Colmes, Sony, Bad Boy, or anything from the past.”
“Some artists never signed anything, so they’re free to talk about whatever they want. Like those from Danity Kane; a few of them never signed and are probably going to speak out.”
Aubrey also revealed that Diddy would deliberately stir up conflict within the group to maintain control.
“The stories we have to tell from that time in music, where people like Puff were in charge, and the tensions and challenges we faced, it’s just mind-blowing.”
This isn’t the first time Aubrey has spoken out about Diddy’s mistreatment. In an interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, she shared how Diddy would body-shame them and even kicked her out of the group when she refused his advances.
“Can you tell us more about why you were let go?”
“I wasn’t willing to do what was expected of me, not in terms of talent, but in other areas.”
“Were the others complying?”
“I was the only one targeted like that, subjected to mind games and division among the girls. The men in charge were manipulating everything. It was a mess of betrayal and lies, really traumatic for all of us.”
“Diddy would criticize their looks, body-shame them whenever they gained weight or changed their appearance. He controlled every aspect of their lives, treating them like possessions. Aubrey was the only one brave enough to resist, and he hated her for it.”
“Now, about your recent hair color change. Do you see this as a permanent choice?”
“I have conflicting feelings about it, you know? On one hand, I feel comfortable being T, but on the other hand, there are aspects of it that I dislike.”
“And you, well, I think it gives you a tough appearance. It adds unnecessary years to your look. You’re truly a beautiful woman.”
“As for you, Andrea, you have a pleasantly full figure. In person, your hair doesn’t quite match the image. I’m not sure if it’s the photography. Also, some of your hairstyles come off as overly glamorous, with an abundance of fake hair, lashes, and makeup. But, before we delve further into that, I’d like to steer towards a more fashion-forward approach.”
What’s particularly disturbing about this is that many people initially praised Diddy for his guidance, thinking he was grooming the girls for the industry. However, allegations of exploitation and trafficking emerged during Cassie’s lawsuit, shedding light on Diddy’s true intentions. Reportedly, he wasn’t advising them to appeal to fans but rather to satisfy his connections. This was corroborated by Diddy’s former bodyguard, Jean Deal, who claimed to have overheard Diddy discussing plans to exploit the girls for his associates’ pleasure.
“They’re probably going to come after him too because I heard him. I’m telling you this, Aubrey. He openly declared in front of many people, we were in the studio, and I confronted him about something before leaving. He said, ‘I’m going to set them up with my associates. I’ll drug them, get them all messed up, and hand them over to my contacts.’ I couldn’t just stay silent after hearing that. Someone might have overheard, someone I know was in the studio at that moment, and I still keep in touch with them today. We even discussed it recently. He didn’t return to Indiana. I had to share that with you.”
“He said he was going all out, which explains why Aubrey mentioned Diddy pushing them beyond their limits. It wasn’t just about getting with them; he wanted them to do things they shouldn’t have. It’s insane. And Cassie’s lawsuit backs it up. She talks about how Diddy made her take drugs and do things she didn’t want to with other guys, calling them ‘freak offs.’ It started small but became a regular thing, almost like a twisted routine in different hotels every other week. She tried to erase the evidence, but he always had a copy to control her. And when he threatened to leak those videos, he wasn’t bluffing. 50 Cent even talked about it in an old interview, saying Diddy didn’t seem bothered by explicit footage of Cassie.
Now, people are wondering if there’s something bigger going on, if Diddy’s part of some Hollywood exploitation ring. Aubrey’s boldness shut down any plans he had with Danity Kane. The public is rightfully disgusted, some even calling for Diddy to face the consequences: ‘He’s sick. Why isn’t he in jail yet?’
Support for Aubrey and Diddy’s ex-bodyguard is pouring in. People see Aubrey’s courage despite the show trying to paint her as ungrateful. They hope she spills more and takes legal action against Diddy. Do you think other Danity Kane members will come forward too? What do you make of all this?”