Not-so old wounds have reopened for former Salt-N-Pepa band member DJ Spinderella following the rapping duo’s release of their biopic.
The movie, which was executive produced by Sandra “Pepa” Denton and Cheryl “Salt” James, includes a portrayal of Spinderella, but the DJ has said she was given zero input in the production. For 30 years, Spinderella contributed to the all-female group’s legacy in hip hop, but her successful run came to an end in 2019.
Despite her departure from the group, and her subsequent lawsuit, Spinderella says she was hurt by her former band members’ decision to not allow her to participate in the film’s development.
On IG, she shared a statement detailing her lack of involvement in the film.
“Too often, Black women who have made meaningful contributions in their industry are left out of historical narratives. Back when Salt-N-Pepa was building our legacy, which is rooted in empowering women, I could not have dreamed that this same group would one day disempower me.”
She continued, “Words cannot fully express my disappointment when I learned a decision was made to move forward with a Lifetime biopic that wrongfully excluded me from every aspect of development and production — all the while using my image throughout, given that I played an integral role in the group’s story and success. There’s nothing more unacceptable than a woman being silenced by another woman. It is for this reason I will not be supporting the biopic.”
Fans who may have been supportive of the film found themselves on the other side of the table following Spinderella’s statement.
“They are WRONG for this!!!!”
“I can’t support if the WHOLE group ain’t apart of it.”
“There wouldn’t be salt n pepa without her”
“I’m not watching it they are foul how they been treating her”
On the group’s official IG page, Salt and Pepa seemingly responded to the criticism by sharing a photo of just themselves on stage. The caption read: “If you live by their praises you’ll die by their criticisms.”
“Lost a fan ✌🏽”
“Y’all so wrong for this.”
