Kevin Thornton, a founding member of ‘90s R&B group Color Me Badd, was accused of abuse by his youngest daughter, Mikayla Thornton. In a statement, the band distanced itself from Kevin and expressed support for his children.
Credit: BSR Agency/Gentle Look via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Kevin Thornton, a founding member of ‘90s R&B group Color Me Badd, was accused of abuse by his youngest daughter, Mikayla Thornton
- Mikayla documented her alleged experiences growing up alongside her siblings in a home where she said they were beaten and mistreated by their parents
- In a statement, the band distanced itself from Kevin and expressed support for his children
The members of Color Me Badd — the Grammy-nominated ‘90s R&B group responsible for hits such as “I Wanna Sex You Up” — spoke out to address accusations against former bandmate Kevin Thornton.
Kevin, who was one of the founding members of the group, was accused of abuse by his youngest daughter, Mikayla Thornton, during an Aug. 8 episode of Soft White Underbelly.
In a lengthy interview, Mikayla described her childhood, claiming that she and her siblings grew up in a cult-like religious home where they were turned against each other and abused, reportedly being beat with the Bible and what their father called a “rod of correction” — a stick covered in Bible verses.
Mikayla said that they were also forced to view and participate in “deliverances,” or exorcisms.
Mikayla said that her father “grew up in a religious family,” but he “denounced everything kind of related to God” when he pursued his music career. After meeting her mother and welcoming their first daughter, Destiny, Kevin reportedly “changed his life around” and “begged for God to come into his life.”
He went on to become what Mikayla described as a preacher and music pastor at their church.
Reflecting on her childhood, she claimed that her oldest siblings — from previous relationships Kevin had before meeting his wife — were treated as though they were “subhuman.”
Kevin was also accused of allowing Mikayla to date a 20-year-old man when she was only 15.
Mikayla said that her parents hid the situation from their church. However, she claimed that there were instances where child protective services were called to their home since they’d allegedly be seen at school with bruises.
Saying that her parents were never charged by their behavior, Mikayla alleged, “They were so good at… They’re so good at making people believe that they are God’s, like, chosen people.”
“My relationship with my parents is so weird because all you want to do is love your parents. And all we ever have done is love our parents. We thought the world was against us because that’s what they would tell us,” she said. “It was a cult. My dad was the head; we were his disciples. We worshipped our father.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
As an adult, Mikayla said she learned that her alleged home situation — which she described as “constant, constant chaos” — was not normal.
Mikayla said she is estranged from her parents now and wants “nothing to do with [them].” She hasn’t been in contact with her older brother since he was kicked out of their home at 12. However, she described her sisters as her “rock” and her “everything.”
“I just want the world to know who he is and that the shame that we have carried our whole lives is not ours to hold. It’s his. It’s theirs. I’m freeing myself and my sister and my brother from this,” she said near the end of the interview.
The remaining members of Color Me Badd issued a statement about her allegations on Wednesday. Aug. 19.
“Color Me Badd is aware of the serious and deeply personal allegations recently brought forward concerning former member Kevin Thornton and members of his family,” they wrote on Instagram.
The statement continued: “We recognize the courage it takes for anyone to speak publicly about painful personal experiences. Our hearts are with Mikayla, her siblings, and all those affected by the circumstances described. We are lifting them, their families, and loved ones up in prayer during what is undoubtedly an incredibly difficult time.”
The band members stated that Kevin departed the group in 2016 and “has no involvement in the current touring, management or business operations of Color Me Badd.”
Credit: BSR Agency/Gentle Look via Getty
The group is now owned by fellow founding member Mark Calderon, and they said his goal is “creating a positive experience for its fans and celebrating the music and memories of the ‘90s that have connected Color Me Badd with audiences around the world for more than three decades.”
“Given the sensitive and deeply personal nature of these allegations, Color Me Badd will not comment on their substance or on private matters involving individuals who are no longer affiliated with the group,” they wrote, concluding, “Our sincere thoughts remain with everyone affected, and we continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”
Kevin Thornton has since deleted his Instagram profile and could not be reached for comment.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Read the full article here
