Dawn Richard Claims Diddy Didn't Think Danity Kane Could Outsell Cassie

She says Bad Boy was unprepared for their success and the group had to sew their own costumes from Forever 21 fashions.

BYErika Marie
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Listening Session with Danity Kane Hosted by Sean Diddy Combs - June 28, 2006

They were a girl group that stormed the industry after being constructed by Sean "Diddy" Combs, but Dawn Richard is giving insight into the trials of Danity Kane. Richard was a singer in the quintet that took over the charts after coming together on Making the Band. The reality series followed hopefuls looking for their big break. Diddy and his team not only chose each singer but they documented the process of whipping them into shape. All these years later, many of the ladies have spoken out against their time on the show.

Dawn Richard has continued her career as a solo artist and creative. She's continued to release music, and in a new interview, she revealed the Bad Boy "didn't believe" in Danity Kane. "We were a show," Richard told FashionXRadio. "Puff saw money. He saw ratings. MTV, that was where the money was. Danity Kane was just a concept of something bigger. He had no clue we were gonna be that big."

NEW YORK - MAY 18: Music group Dirty Money's Dawn Richard snd Sean 'Diddy' Combs attend the 2010 BET Awards nominees, host and performers announcement at 230 Fifth Avenue on May 18, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic)
Read More: Diddy’s Alleged Abuse Towards Danity Kane Had A Purpose, Says Dawn Richard

"I'll tell you: when we first came out, they said only do 100,000 copies 'cause they not gon' do more than Cassie. That's what they told us when the first album came out. We sold 100,000 in a day, and they had to figure out how to get more units in by the time the week [ended]. They barely got it, and we ended up selling 230,000 copies."

The host chimed in to say that the label was lacking and didn't have enough product. "They didn't think we would sell," Richard added. "When were touring, they wouldn't give us any money. So, we were sewing our costumes from Forever 21." This isn't the first grievance a Danity Kane artist has brought up against Diddy. Aubrey O'Day has been vocal about Combs, often lashing out about his methods on social media.

Read More: Diddy Exposed By Danity Kane: Slut-Shamed & Being Called “Too Dark” & “Ugly”

Over the years, there have been murmurs about some of Danity Kane's reunions. Richard, O'Day, and Shannon Bex came together as a Danity Kane trio, but still, the ladies opted to continue flying solo.

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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.