Jessica Sutta, a former member of the iconic pop group the Pussycat Dolls, alleges she was deliberately excluded from the group’s highly anticipated 2026 reunion tour due to her political views. Sutta claims her support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign, which she acknowledges draws alignment with the “MAGA” movement, led to her being deemed a “liability” by the group’s management. The controversy raises questions about the intersection of celebrity, politics, and the potential for ideological divisions within the entertainment industry.
The “PCD Forever Tour,” announced on March 12th, features original members Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt, and Ashley Roberts. Sutta and fellow former member Carmit Bachar were reportedly not included in the lineup. The tour is set to kick off on June 5th in Palm Desert, California, and will include performances in cities across the country, concluding on August 1st in Dallas, Texas. Lil Kim and Mya are slated to join the tour as special guests. Tickets are currently available through StubHub here.
Blindsided by the Announcement
Sutta detailed her experience on the The Maverick Approach podcast, describing being “blindsided” by the tour announcement. She stated that none of the former members were consulted about the reunion. “None of us were called,” Sutta shared. “None of us were told about anything. In fact, we were blindsided.” According to Sutta, Scherzinger contacted her the day the tour was publicly announced, a conversation Sutta says she does not intend to reciprocate.
Carmit Bachar too expressed her disappointment regarding the tour’s formation. In an Instagram post, Bachar stated, “I was not contacted regarding the group’s decision to move forward, and I learned of these plans at the same time as the public. While this is disappointing on a personal level, I remain proud of the role I played in helping shape what The Pussycat Dolls became.”
Aligning with Kennedy and the “MAGA” Label
Sutta directly attributed her exclusion to her political stance, specifically her support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “I was a liability. I align with Bobby Kennedy, which is aligning with MAGA,” she explained. While clarifying that she doesn’t necessarily endorse all of former President Trump’s policies – “Do I love what Trump is doing? Absolutely not. I do not believe in war” – Sutta embraced the label, stating, “Yeah, I am [MAGA]. I triple down on it because I’m so sick of people telling me who I should be. These are psyops, y’all.”
The term “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) became synonymous with the political movement surrounding Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns. According to a 2023 report by the Pew Research Center, the term continues to be a significant identifier for a segment of the American electorate here. Kennedy, who initially ran as a Democrat, launched an independent bid for the presidency in October 2023, and his campaign has attracted support from across the political spectrum, including individuals previously aligned with Trump.
A History of Group Dynamics
The Pussycat Dolls, formed in 1995 as a burlesque troupe, rose to international fame in the early 2000s with a string of hit songs including “Don’t Cha,” “Buttons,” and “I Don’t Necessitate a Man.” The group officially disbanded in 2010. Throughout their career, the Pussycat Dolls faced scrutiny regarding their image and the objectification of women, sparking debate about the group’s artistic merit and cultural impact. The group’s internal dynamics have also been a subject of speculation, with reports of tensions between members and creative control issues.
The release of their new track, “Club Song,” accompanied the tour announcement. The song, released on March 12th, aims to recapture the group’s signature sound. You can view the music video here.
The situation with Jessica Sutta and Carmit Bachar highlights the complexities of navigating personal beliefs within a professional context, particularly in the public eye. As the “PCD Forever Tour” approaches, the controversy surrounding the lineup is likely to continue, prompting further discussion about the role of politics in entertainment and the challenges faced by artists who choose to express their views publicly.
The Pussycat Dolls’ tour is scheduled to continue through August 1st, with upcoming performances in Syracuse, Charlotte, and Tampa. Fans can find more information and ticket details on StubHub here. Further updates regarding the group’s activities and any potential responses to Sutta’s allegations are expected in the coming weeks.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress or are in need of support, resources are available. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, or call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
