CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story premiered on VH1 last night, and as we expected, people are coming out of the woodwork trying to capitalize on this moment of fame.
Last week, former group manager Pebbles revealed plans to sue for slander, and now original member Crystal Selene Jones said she’s releasing a tell-all book.
“It brought up a lot of worms I kind of put to rest a long time ago,” she said. “One, we never auditioned for L.A. [Reid]. We auditioned for Pebbles at Seriously Sound Studio, and the song we used was a song that was produced by Jermaine Dupri called “I Got It Going On.”
Crystal went on to say that she was not kicked out of the group because she couldn’t sing.
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“As far as what happened, and I’m sure what everybody wants to know is that, it was based on the contract,” she said. “We’re going through the paperwork, and it’s lengthy. So I turned to Pebbles and I said, ‘Can I take it home and let my mom take a look at it? Because I really don’t understand what I’m reading.’ And she said, ‘No absolutely not, so I didn’t sign it.’”
After the interview, Crystal took to her Twitter account to thank the radio station. “Thank you #ryancameron#v103 for having me today. It means a lot to be able to speak my truth. Salute to #jermainedupri#tlc#RIPLeftEye#truth,” she wrote. “The truth is. Pivotal players were omitted & I am thankful to have been able to shed some light.”
As far as her upcoming book, titled TLC My Story: The Awakening Of A Shattered Dream,” Crystal told her followers that it’s time she tell her side of the story.
“The same reason why I imagine they did the movie,” she tweeted. “To speak my truth as I know it.”
She added, “Wishing TLC all the best and continued blessings.”
Check out eight other ex-girl group members who can probably relate to Crystal’s story, below.
1. LeToya Luckett of Destiny’s Child
LeToya, one of the original members of Destiny’s Child, was kicked out of the group in 1999. Sources say the drama started after she and groupmate LaTavia Roberson asked for separate management outside of Beyonce’s father, Mathew Knowles.
2. Naturi Naughton of 3LW
Naturi was forced out of the girl group just weeks before the release of their second album. She cited problems with manager Michelle Williams, mother of fellow group member Kiely, as the main reason for her departure.
“My opinion might have challenged the amount of control Michelle Williams had. Whenever any member of 3LW, not just me, challenged her, they were bound to get in trouble,” the singer said in a 202 interview with MTV. “I remember conversations where Adrienne said, ‘Don’t say anything. I’m not saying anything. I’m not getting kicked out of the group.’ And when I heard that, I’m like, ‘Aren’t we supposed to be in this to make the fans happy, to make records, to sing, to dance?’ That’s why I’m here. Why is it that we’re trying to impress management if we’re selling records.”
3. Dawn Robinson of En Vogue
Dawn Robinson recorded two albums with the R&B quartette before she walked away in 1997. She went on to form another group called Lucy Pearl.
4. LaTavia Roberson of Destiny’s Child
LaTavia Roberson was forced out of the group at the same time as LeToya Luckett.
“My one regret is that I should have spoken to Beyonce and Kelly before I sent the letter [requesting new management]. That is the one thing I would have done different,” she said during an interview with Necole Bitchie. “I would have gone to my sisters and discussed it with them. After that, we didn’t speak for many years.”
5. Tamera Coggins of Xscape
Xscape’s original lineup consisted of five girls. Tamera Coggins, Kandi and Tiny’s high school friend, left the group before their debut album was released.
6. Florence Ballard of The Supremes
Florence Ballard was a founding member of the legendary Motown group The Supremes. Sources say she grew jealous of Diana Ross’ fame and turned to alcohol to cope. In 1967, Berry Gordy kicked the 24-year-old out of the group.
7. Geri Halliwell of The Spice Girls
Geri Halliwel, also known as Ginger Spice, abruptly left the top-selling girl group in 1998.
“I just felt like the band had got so big, and the girls were almost like they didn’t need me anymore,” she told Marie Claire. “I definitely felt very redundant, like the wheels were turning whether I was there or not.”
8. Farrah Franklin of Destiny’s Child
Farrah Franklin was the third woman to get kicked out of DC3. She and Michelle Williams were added to replace LeToya and Latvia. After missing a few performances due to an illness, the ladies moved forward as a trio.
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