Eternal star Vernie Bennett has broken her silence amid claims she and her sister Easther refused to perform at any LGBTQ+ gigs due to their views.
The girl group, who found fame in the 90s with hits such as Angel of Mine and I Wanna Be The Only One, had recently been planning a reunion tour.
According to Louise Redknapp’s representatives, the sisters would not play certain festivals because they believe that the gay community is being “hijacked” by the transgender community.
Initially, the siblings had remained silent on the claims but Vernie has now posted a statement on Instagram.
She wrote: “I am ‘Eternally’ grateful for the family, friends, and amazing fans who have and continue to support our incredible journey and artistry.
“I’ve been blessed to connect with so many diverse and wonderful people from all walks of life during my career. You all have a piece of my heart.
“Though it is impossible and counterproductive to respond to the overwhelming number of statements and allegations made online recently, I place this moment in God’s hands. I truly appreciate all who continue to express love and support for my family and Eternal.”
Her social media statement comes after Eternal’s former manager accused Redknapp of trying to “throw her bandmates under a bus” after she pulled out of a reunion tour.
Denis Ingoldsby, who repped the girlband back in their 90s heyday, has now furiously defended the Bennett siblings, who remain his clients, and says they are “devastated” and accused Redknapp’s team of misrepresenting details of a private email.
Redknapp’s team have since refuted Ingoldsby’s claims, saying they stand by their decision to go public on the dispute.
Speaking to The Mirror, Ingoldsby claims that there were no confirmed, or contracted dates, in place for the reunion. Which Redknapp’s team have denied to the publication.
Ingoldsby said: “Louise and her team have thrown them under the bus and everyone is totally appalled at their bullying behaviour by totally misrepresenting the situation to suit their own agenda.’
He claimed that the sisters sent an email to Louise’s camp saying they ‘loved’ playing Pride and the ‘ethos of the event.’
Ingoldsby added that the dispute is “nothing about gay rights,” and that the sisters have played “numerous LGBTQ+ gigs”.
He continued: “Vernie said she had some concerns about the Pride movement being hijacked – and she is not alone – but this has now been weaponised against her, with Louise’s team trying to get her cancelled.”
Redknapp’s publicist Simon Jones has stated that they stand by their previous comments, telling the publication: “Denis Ingoldsby was not involved in the discussions about the Eternal reunion including all four members over the last two years. Easther and Vernie can try and dress this up however they wish.
“The fact remains that the duo said they would only do the Eternal reunion if no Pride or LGBTQ+ festivals were included.
“Louise would obviously not agree to excluding the LGBTQ+ community from their touring plans. We as a team absolutely do not agree with dividing the LGBTQ+ community or excluding trans people.”
Fourth bandmate Kelle Bryan has also shared her thoughts in the wake of the furore on Monday, writing: “Opportunities to reunite for an Eternal reunion tour with the girls has been discussed many times over the years.
“As mothers, the right opportunity and timing for all of our schedules have been tricky to arrange. The relationship with our fans and the joy of celebrating our success was, and still is, my motivation.
“My stance and allegiances have always been that I am an advocate for inclusion and equality for all. Thank you for your continued support over three decades. God bless, Kelle.”
