Color Me Badd Speaks Out After Co-Founder Kevin Thornton Accused of Abuse

The current lineup of '90s R&B hitmakers Color Me Badd is drawing a firm line between the group and co-founder Kevin Thornton following disturbing public accusations made by his estranged daughter. The controversy erupted after Thornton’s daughter publicly alleged that her father—who transitioned from pop stardom to serving as a minister in Texas—ran an intensely strict, violent, and "cult-like" household. As social media discussions intensified around these claims, the modern touring unit of Color Me Badd moved quickly to release a public statement clarifying that Thornton has no current ties to the band.

Thornton originally helped form the group in Oklahoma City back in 1985 alongside his bandmates. During the early 1990s, Color Me Badd became a staple of mainstream radio, scoring massive chart-topping jams like "I Wanna Sex You Up," "I Adore Mi Amor," and "All 4 Love." The group enjoyed huge commercial success during the era before experiencing lineup shifts as the years went on. In 1998, Thornton stepped away from the music business to pursue ministry work in Fort Worth, Texas. Although he returned for brief reunion stints and special live appearances in later years, his involvement with the group remained sporadic as the band rotated members over the decades.

In their newly published statement, the band emphasized that Thornton has not been part of their official lineup for quite some time. Mark Calderon is currently the sole original member actively performing under the Color Me Badd name, keeping the group's legacy alive on nostalgia concert tours across the country. The group made their stance clear, seeking to assure fans that they have no connection to Thornton's personal life or the claims made against him. As the allegations continue to make headlines, the current members are focused on their live shows while ensuring the public understands that Thornton plays no role in the group's ongoing operations or tour dates.