Kevin Thornton, a founding member of the 1990s R&B group Color Me Badd, has been accused of abusive behaviour by his youngest daughter, Mikayla Thornton. These serious allegations have prompted the band to publicly distance themselves from Thornton and express solidarity with his children.
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Mikayla Thornton made the claims during an interview aired on August 8th in the show Soft White Underbelly. In this revealing discussion, she recounted her traumatic childhood, describing an environment characterised by abuse within what she claimed was a “cult-like” religious household. According to her, she and her siblings endured severe treatment from both parents, including physical punishment with a stick that her father referred to as a “rod of correction”, as well as being subjected to forced participation in deliverances, or exorcisms.
Mikayla asserted that her father initially grew up in a religious family but later rejected many aspects of faith in favour of his music career. However, after marrying her mother and the arrival of their first child, she maintains that he attempted a spiritual transformation, eventually emerging as a preacher and music pastor at their church. Reflecting on her childhood dynamics, she painted a disturbing picture, alleging that her older siblings from previous relationships were treated as “subhuman.”
The interview also brought light to troubling allegations wherein Mikayla claimed her father permitted her to enter into a relationship with a 20-year-old while she was just 15 years old. She indicated that her parents concealed this from their church community, although they reportedly came under scrutiny from Child Protective Services due to visible signs of abuse, including bruises spotted at school.
Mikayla alleged that her parents managed to manipulate public perception, stating, “They were so good at making people believe that they are God’s, like, chosen people.” Her experience in the household was filled with cognitive dissonance, as she grappled with a desire to love her parents while also feeling utterly betrayed by their actions.
In analysing her upbringing, Mikayla expressed that now, as an adult, she recognises the dysfunction and chaos that she once accepted as normal. She stated that she has since cut ties with her parents and has been estranged from her brother, who left home at the age of 12, while finding solace among her sisters, whom she referred to as her “rock”.
In her quest for liberation from her family’s shadow, Mikayla articulated the importance of having her voice heard. “I just want the world to know who he is and that the shame that we have carried our whole lives is not ours to hold. It’s his. It’s theirs,” she said, signifying a desire to reclaim her life and shed the burden of her past.
In response to these disturbing revelations, the remaining members of Color Me Badd released a statement on August 19, acknowledging the situation and expressing their support for Mikayla and her siblings. They conveyed appreciation for the courage it takes to speak publicly about personal trauma, stating, “Our hearts are with Mikayla, her siblings, and all those affected by the circumstances described.”
It was noted in the statement that Kevin Thornton had departed from the band in 2016 and has no current involvement in its management or operations. The group, led now by founding member Mark Calderon, emphasised its commitment to inspiring positive experiences for fans and celebrating the nostalgic music of the 1990s, which has resonated with audiences for over three decades.
The band further clarified that in light of the sensitive nature of the accusations, they would refrain from commenting in detail on the claims made against Kevin Thornton, wishing for the affected individuals their thoughts and prayers. As he steps back into the shadows, Kevin Thornton reportedly deleted his Instagram account and has not spoken publicly regarding these allegations.
In cases of suspected child abuse, it is essential to reach out to authorities or support hotlines for guidance and assistance. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline can be reached at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, while available resources for sexual abuse can be accessed by texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.