Louise Redknapp’s agent has announced that she and fellow bandmate Kelle Bryan have pulled out of an upcoming Eternal reunion.
The agent claims that the four band members have fallen out about performing "at Pride shows or LGBTQ+ festivals", with sisters Vernie and Easther Bennett believing that "the gay community [is] being hijacked by the trans community", and that they do not support this and would not perform at such events.
The 90s girl group had a string of hits including I Wanna Be The Only One, Just A Step From Heaven and Power Of A Woman. Their debut single Stay was released 30 years ago last week.
Redknapp’s agent Simon Jones said in a statement: "A message was sent to the team putting together the Eternal reunion stating that if it was to go ahead, neither Vernie nor Easther would perform at Pride shows or LGBTQ+ festivals.
"This was because the duo felt that the gay community was being hijacked by the trans community and they do not support this."
The statement continued, "Louise is a huge supporter and ally of the LGBTQ+ community, and both herself and Kelle told the duo they would not work with anyone who held these views, and as such the reunion as a four would not be going ahead.
"The team behind the proposed Eternal reunion are gay including management, PR and tour promoter, and neither myself nor any of the team would work with artists who held such views about the trans community."
Redknapp has not addressed the issue on social media directly, but posted an image of a Pride flag to Instagram on Sunday with the caption: "Always & forever."
Meanwhile, bandmate Kelle, who is a presenter on Loose Women, posted on Instagram about the tour and alleged disagreement.
She said: "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 x."
Last Wednesday, Redknapp has wished her Eternal bandmates a happy 30th anniversary as their hit single Stay was released 30 years ago last week. She wrote on Instagram that bandmate Easther "absolutely kill[ed] that opening note" and wished a "happy 30th Anniversary to my Eternal girls Kelle, Easther and Vernie".
Source: Press Association
