The glittering world of The Pussycat Dolls, a name synonymous with early 2000s pop dominance, has been fractured by a recent reunion announcement. But for one former member, Jessica Sutta, the comeback feels less like a celebration and more like a deliberate exclusion.
The Pussycat Dolls exploded onto the music scene in 2005 with a seductive energy and chart-topping hits like “Don’t Cha” and “Buttons.” Nicole Scherzinger, Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Melody Thornton, and Kimberly Wyatt formed the original lineup, captivating audiences before a hiatus led to their disbandment in 2010.
Plans for a reunion surfaced in 2019, promising a tour and new music, but were ultimately derailed by the pandemic and contractual issues. Now, a new iteration of the group – featuring only Nicole, Ashley, and Kimberly – is preparing for a comeback tour, leaving the other members reeling from the unexpected news.
Jessica Sutta, initially believing she wouldn’t rejoin, admits she quietly reached out after hearing whispers of a potential reunion. However, she was stunned to discover she hadn’t even been considered in the discussions. “None of us were called. None of us were told about anything. In fact, we were blindsided,” she revealed.
The sting of the snub deepened when Nicole Scherzinger attempted a call only *after* the public announcement. Jessica, harboring a growing sense of betrayal, chose not to answer. Despite her affection and respect for Nicole, she felt a response would be futile.
Jessica believes her political views played a significant role in the decision. She openly supports Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a stance that has led to accusations of aligning with the “MAGA” movement. She claims she was deemed a “liability” due to her outspoken beliefs.
Her journey to this point is marked by talent and resilience. Before the Pussycat Dolls, she was a Miami Heat cheerleader. After the group’s initial split, she forged a successful solo career, achieving four number-one hits on the US Dance Club Songs chart – a feat unmatched by her former bandmates.
The connection with Kennedy stemmed from shared concerns about vaccine mandates, with Jessica stating a COVID vaccine left her feeling gravely ill. She acknowledges the label of “MAGA” but defiantly embraces it, asserting her right to hold her own convictions. “I triple down on it because I’m so sick of people telling me who I should be,” she declared.
While recent health challenges and the loss of her mother would have made touring difficult regardless, Jessica expressed a desire for simple courtesy. “I simply would have appreciated a heads up earlier so I could process everything privately,” she stated, highlighting the lack of respect shown during a vulnerable time.
Carmit Bachar echoed Jessica’s sentiments, revealing she also learned of the tour through public announcements. She expressed disappointment at the lack of direct communication, emphasizing the importance of collective contributions to the group’s legacy.
During a recent interview, Nicole Scherzinger stumbled when questioned about the excluded members, offering a vague response about protecting “peace” and acknowledging past “ruptures.” Ashley Roberts interjected, framing the Pussycat Dolls as a group with an “ever-changing line-up.”
The PCD Forever tour is set to launch in June, spanning North America and Europe before concluding in London this October. The tour promises a nostalgic trip for fans, but for Jessica Sutta and Carmit Bachar, it represents a painful chapter of exclusion and unanswered questions.
Jessica, however, appears resolute in moving forward. She’s found solace in family, health, and authenticity, declaring she’s left “Hollyweird” behind and is focused on internal peace. “You can’t trip on what’s behind you,” she wrote, a sentiment that encapsulates her determination to forge her own path.
