Singer Jordan Pruitt Files Lawsuit Against Disney; Accuses Former Manager Of Sexual Abuse
She was 14 when the abuse began.
instagram Being in the entertainment industry comes with its perks but for many, it can be a source of lifelong trauma and abuse. The #MeToo movement not only helped survivors find their voice, but also shed light on the victims and survivors of sexual abuse, harrassment, and manipulation.
One survivor is coming forward about her abusers and has filed a lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company and Hollywood Records. So, who is Jordan Pruitt? She was a former contestant on the third season of The Voice, and has released two albums. She also toured with Demi Lovato, Highschool Musical, The Jonas Brothers, and The Cheetah Girls.
In 2017, she announced her retirement from music and Hollywood. And now, she’s writing a book, AA: Abused Anonymous, which she hopes to release in 2020.
Pruitt alleges that Keith Thomas, her former manager, sexually abused her when she was a teenager, starting when she was 14 years old. She made a post on Instagram, writing, “3 weeks ago as ‘Jane Doe’ I filed a lawsuit against my molester and those who enabled him. No more Jane Doe. I am Jordan Pruitt.”
In court documents, Pruitt claims Thomas took her virginity when she was 14 years old and continued to sexually abuse her until she was 16. She’s also accused him of performing oral sex on her, drugging and anally raping her, and kissing her. The abuse allegedly occurred at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the Warner Brothers lot in Burbank, and in hotel rooms, cars, and trailers.
She also added that Thomas was controlling with her professional life, groomed her and her mother, made verbally abusive comments about her talent and appearance, and cut her off from boys her age.
In a statement to Variety, Pruitt said:
“I am standing up and speaking out not only for myself, but for the countless victims across the world who have never been given the opportunity for justice. It is extremely taboo for anyone to speak about sexual abuse, misconduct and exploitation of minors in the ordinarily conservative and genteel South.
Over and above decorum, many fear the repercussions of coming forward for example (getting blacklisted from the industry, losing work, having YOUR reputation tarnished). To many victims, coming forward feels shameful. Even though the #MeToo movement has been very powerful for many, there is still much work that needs to be done. No one should ever be punished for telling the truth and seeking justice, period.
Unfortunately, these large companies are primarily concerned with sales, money and charts. Too often they fall short of protecting the young talent that they are ‘supposed’ to be caretakers for. Time and time again we see people in positions of power fail us. I couldn’t be more disappointed in how Disney treats their underage talent like cash cows.”
The lawsuit is seeking damages on allegations of “sexual battery of a minor, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, negligent supervision, negligent retention/hiring, negligent failure to warn train or educate and breach of fiduciary duty.” Pruitt also alleges that Thomas “threatened, intimidated and coerced the minor Plaintiff, who was under extreme duress due to his actions, into not informing anyone of her sexual abuse or pursuing legal action therefore.”
A statement from Pruitt’s attorney, Keith Davidson, to Billboard, he said:
“[Pruitt] like far too many child stars, was exploited by the very people who should have been protecting her. Jordan’s innocence was robbed from her as she was systematically groomed, molested, and controlled by a predator employed by Disney, a company that sells happiness to children.
Disney had a duty to protect Jordan from Keith Thomas, and failed at every step. Jordan can never get back the innocence that was stolen from her, nor can she erase the trauma of this tragedy, but she is committed to making sure no other young women fall victim to child predators employed and protected by one of the largest entertainment corporations in the world. Jordan is brave to find the courage to come forward to take on such a large conglomerate. She like so many victims with their own #metoo story must be supported.”
Pruitt first came forward in a now-deleted Facebook post, revealing she was molested as a teenager. She didn’t identify Thomas at the time.
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.