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Before there was Danity Kane, there was Dream. Though not terribly similar (outside of both being girl groups signed to Bad Boy), Dream is sometimes invoked by Diddy's critics as one of the acts that "disappeared" after having been signed to Bad Boy. This, of course, casually ignores the fact that most acts disappear, in general, regardless of where they are signed. Nonetheless, with the recent Danity Kane turmoil, the group has been trotted out as another girl group that Diddy supposedly ruined (some probably included former Bad Boy trio Total in this, as well, I imagine).

In response to this claim, Debbie Hammond, the CEO of ClockWork Entertainment, Dream's former co-label that entered into a joint venture with Bad Boy, issued a statement with her thoughts. Here it is, in it's entirety:

Another girl group destroyed by Diddy? This is hardly the case. I think it’s time we take responsibility for our own actions. How can you blame an executive of a company that puts his money and time into giving artists a chance to make something of themselves for the breakup of their group?

Danity was warned on national TV, on an ongoing basis to clean up their act and drama. Let’s face it, selling underwear with names that are so repulsively tasteless and appearing practically nude, drunk, and classless on so many occasions is NOW BLAMED ON DIDDY? Danity was given more chances than anyone to stop acting indecent. Who are we to tell someone putting their own money and time into artists that they can’t disapprove of lude behavior?

It would be really easy for me to say Diddy is the reason Dream broke up, too! Jump on the bandwagon and take no responsibility for my act’s behavior. But, it’s just not true. Sean Combs, and Bad Boy are the most supportive, generous and kind people I have ever worked with in any industry. They have PASSION FOR THE MUSIC and entertainment. They respect the buyers of their product and hate to disappoint.

This is the truth from a platinum girl group that broke up while on Bad Boy. Sean “Diddy” Combs (CEO), Harve Pierre (President) and Gwen Niles (Vice President) treated us with respect, expected the best out of us to ENTERTAIN OUR MARKET WITH QUALITY MUSIC AND PERFORMANCES because that is what they truly believe the public deserves.

They provided support in every capacity, and have NEVER lied to us on even one occasion. Good, bad or indifferent, they always told us the truth. It’s sad when groups break up. But, let’s put the blame where is belongs. I’m glad that there are still business executives that care enough about our impressionable youth to stop illicit behavior instead of just making money off of it.

Danity’s buyers are young girls and women, primarily. Danity has an obligation to show decency and respect to their buyer. They were warned and disregarded the warnings completely. Bad Boy was pumping MILLIONS OF DOLLARS into giving them a chance. The same goes for Dream. They quit. Diddy generously gave us a huge advance to do an album. We did it, and Dream quit, after they took his money. They didn’t follow through with their promises, and neither did Danity.

We are in dire times in the US. We want our economy to survive, our children to thrive, take responsibility for their behavior and learn there are consequences. Diddy understands this because he’s been through it as well. He’s seen his fair share of trouble, and not only taken responsibility for it, he’s LEARNED from it. Why wouldn’t he expect the same from his artists? Currently I am revamping Dream, and the 1st person I will turn the project in to is Diddy and Bad Boy. Not because I am legally bound to. Because they have been better to us and treated us more fairly than any label I’ve worked with. They are HONEST, RESPECTFUL, AND EXPECT NOTHING BUT THE BEST. They are supportive, kind and generous.

This time around, I am going through great pains, to find the most worthy, hard working artists that never give up, take responsibility for their behavior, and are good role models. Our market deserves that. They deserve to be entertained with great taste, and non illicit behavior. We need to continue to strive for excellence.

Good for you, Diddy. You warned the group to clean it up, they disregarded your wishes, and instead of going for the cash, you followed through with your warning. It was not easy for you, and it’s lonely at the top. You can’t always be the nice guy. But, you are always fair, available and supportive. And so is your staff. You have EVERY RIGHT TO DECIDE WHAT YOU WILL PUT YOUR MONEY, TIME AND EFFORTS INTO. We appreciate your passion for the music, entertainment and striving to make people happy.