Aubrey O’Day is exposing what she describes as a disturbing culture of "pay-for-play" behind the music industry's promise of fame.
The former Danity Kane singer opened up about the alleged sexual propositions she encountered while trying to build a career in the music industry during an appearance on the "Creators Inc." podcast that released on Sept. 3. "Some of the gatekeepers played dirty," the singer said before adding that offering sexual services was often required "for tracks."
O'Day claims that two prominent recording artists offered her large sums of money for sex. One of the unnamed men, she alleged, proposed paying her $50,000 while also promising to help launch her solo career.
sexually'
"I was given an offer from a very huge star that's on tour right now and probably one of your favorite artists ever, $50,000 for [sex] from one of them, and [he said that] he'll be on my first single, sign me to his label, and do my first single," O'Day said.
"There was all kinds of pay-for-play," O'Day told podcast host Andrew Bachman.
O'Day also alleged that a second musician offered her $150,000 for sex. She characterized that person as another touring artist who was performing alongside two other well-known men. O'Day said she rejected both propositions.
"I would take neither of that, by the way," the singer said.
According to O'Day, the offers were relayed through her manager at the time. The performer said she also received "many calls from many rappers."
O'Day also opened up about the infamous parties thrown by Sean "Diddy" Combs called "Freakoffs," and shared that she never attend one herself.
O'Day has long spoken publicly about her experiences with Combs, who formed Danity Kane through MTV's "Making the Band." In Netflix's "Sean Combs: The Reckoning," she alleged that Combs sent her sexually explicit messages and said she believes she was removed from Danity Kane after rejecting his advances.
After Combs received a 50-month prison sentence for his convictions on two prostitution-related charges, O'Day warned aspiring artists to walk away when someone in power crosses their boundaries, emphasizing that no professional opportunity is worth enduring coercion or exploitation. Combs has denied allegations of sexual misconduct.
Danity Kane released its self-titled debut album in 2006, followed by "Welcome to the Dollhouse" in 2008. Both albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. O'Day left the group during its original run, but later participated in reunions and formed the musical duo Dumblonde with Shannon Bex.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aubrey O'Day alleges major music star offered her $150K for sex
