Former Pussycat Dolls star reveals childhood sexual abuse amid band reunion fall-out: 'Chipped away at my soul'

Kimberly Wyatt has opened up about the devastating impact of sexual abuse she suffered from the age of three. The 44-year-old Pussycat Dolls performer, who is set to return for the group’s upcoming comeback , spoke candidly on Davina McCall's Begin Again podcast. She told Ms McCall: "You know I experienced a lot of sexual abuse and that really chipped away at my confidence, at my soul, at my feeling of being safe, and that really was the making of me as a kid. I was very introverted." Ms Wyatt has previously revealed being molested as a toddler and surviving an attempted rape while working on a cruise ship at 17. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say She reflected on her childhood in Warrensburg, Missouri, describing it as a mix of "idyllic" rural life and hidden struggles. "My dad delivered fuel to farmers and he was a fuel guide, delivering oil, driving trucks, was gone a lot. "My mum worked for him, so we lived on a farm way out in the country in my smaller years," she said. Ms Wyatt fondly remembered playing rough with the boys and going "muddying in trucks," but admitted her early years were both "the making and the breaking" of her. Her grandmother Jane, who lived nearby, became a vital source of love and support. "My grandmother was my everything, Grandma Jane. They're the best. She showed me a love and a selflessness that to this day, that's what has made me the mum that I strive to be every day when I wake up," the singer said. Despite having "brilliant" parents who tried their best, Ms Wyatt acknowledged that "a lot of darkness" shadowed her childhood and teenage years. The trauma left her shy and socially withdrawn, struggling to face her own reflection. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: Viral comedian Druski sparks outrage over ‘whiteface’ skit mocking 'Erika Kirk': 'Blatant racism!' Mille Radford shares update on baby number four as 22 Kids and Counting star teases major detail Michelle Dewberry responds to Olympic transgender ban: 'Not rocket science!' It was only when she discovered dance that she began to heal and find purpose. "The thing that turned everything around for me was getting into the dance studio," she explained. "I loved the figure skating and the gymnastics and what these people could do with their bodies and the stories they could tell through movement," she said. Reflecting on her journey, Ms Wyatt said: "I experienced a lot of sexual abuse that really chipped away at my soul. But getting into dance really opened my eyes. There's a whole world out there." Fans of the star rushed to the comments to share their message of support for Ms Wyatt. "Wow, how amazing that she was able to find dance and gymnastics as some kind of haven from sexual abuse, to be able to reclaim her body and enjoy its power and strength," one fan wrote. Another said: "Kimberly has always been one of the sweetest dolls." "I feel super proud of the woman that she has become, the incredible, loving and protective Mother that she has taught herself to be and the amazing talent that she gives back to her community every single day - that is so special and selfless," added a third fan. A fourth penned: "Knowing what we know about her story and the upbringing she had and she chose her own path to be a compassionate and kind person is incredible." The Pussycat Dolls have announced a 2026 reunion, called the PCD Forever Tour, featuring a 53-date global tour starting in June and a new single, Club Song. However, it will only include three of the original six members: Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts, and Kimberly Wyatt, with special guests Lil’ Kim and Mýa joining the performances. The three excluded members, Jessica Sutta, Carmit Bachar, and Melody Thornton, were left out amid controversy, with Ms Sutta claiming her political views supporting the MAGA movement and opposing vaccine mandates made her a "liability." She said she was blindsided by the announcement, only receiving a call from Ms Scherzinger on the day it went public, which she did not return. Ms Bachar also revealed she learned of the reunion via the public announcement. The reunion follows a long legal dispute between PCD founder Robin Antin and Ms Scherzinger over ownership and profits, reportedly settled in 2025, and the trio-focused tour is said to highlight Ms Scherzinger, with Ms Wyatt noting the group has an "ever-changing lineup". Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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