En Vogue’s long‑awaited reunion tour is set to light up the stage alongside Salt‑n‑Pep and TLC on the “It’s Iconic” tour, but the excitement is tinged with old wounds. The legendary girl group’s recent lineup change has reignited a feud with former member Rhona Bennett, who was left out of the November Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance and has since taken to social media to defend herself.
The Reunion Tour and the Missing Member
In a bold move that has fans buzzing, En Vogue announced that they will be touring with Salt‑n‑Pep and TLC as part of the “It’s Iconic” tour. The lineup will feature original members Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, and Maxine Jones, who rejoined the group after a brief hiatus. The trio performed together at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November, marking a triumphant return to the spotlight.
However, the reunion was not without its controversies. Long‑time member Rhona Bennett, who had been part of the group for over twenty years, was noticeably absent from the performance. Bennett’s departure from En Vogue was announced in 2023, and she has since been vocal about her feelings regarding the group’s decision to exclude her from the tour.
Behind the Scenes: The Rift with Rhona Bennett
Sources close to the group reveal that the relationship between the current members and Bennett has always been more business‑oriented than familial. According to a confidential source, the members would “show up for work, then go home or to their respective places.” Communication between Bennett and the group reportedly shifted to legal counsel in later years.
When the group announced the reunion, Bennett was not consulted either before or after the announcement. This lack of communication has fueled accusations that the group deliberately sidelined her. In a recent interview with People magazine, Terry Ellis stated that Bennett’s departure was her own choice, saying, “She could have been here. She chose not to be.” Ellis also mentioned that the group learned of Bennett’s exit through social media rather than a direct conversation.
Bennett has taken to Twitter and other platforms to defend herself. She has highlighted the group’s treatment of her as a “bully” and has accused En Vogue of discarding members like “handwipes.” Her posts have garnered support from fans who feel the group’s actions were unjust.
Voices from the Past: Dawn Robinson and the Group’s Dynamics
Former original member Dawn Robinson, who left En Vogue in 2002, has also weighed in on the situation. In a video posted to her YouTube channel, Robinson expressed solidarity with Bennett, stating that she could relate to being snubbed by the group. Robinson’s comments added another layer to the ongoing debate, suggesting that the group’s internal dynamics have been fraught with conflict.
Robinson’s remarks have sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of group members in the music industry. Fans and industry insiders alike are calling for greater transparency and fairness in how groups handle lineup changes and member departures.
InfluencerBlogger
