Spinderella, the iconic DJ and former member of the legendary hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa, has opened up about the turmoil she faced within the group, revealing the emotional and financial challenges that led to her termination and exclusion from key moments in the group’s legacy. Despite playing an integral role in their success, Spinderella (born Deidra Roper) has long felt marginalized by Salt and Pepper. Now, through her candid reflections, the story of how one of hip-hop’s pioneering women was “left out” is coming to light.

The Silent Betrayal: Spinderella’s Role in Salt-N-Pepa’s Success

When Spinderella joined Salt-N-Pepa in 1986, she was just 16 years old, stepping in as the group’s DJ after their original DJ, Latoya Hansen, was unable to continue with the group. Spinderella quickly became an integral part of the trio, contributing to their chart-topping success, iconic music videos, and groundbreaking performances. Throughout their journey, she played a pivotal role in their rise to stardom, appearing on album covers, award shows, and in countless interviews.

However, over the years, fans began to notice an unsettling shift. Despite being deeply embedded in the group’s history, Spinderella was gradually sidelined. By the late 2010s, tensions became evident when Spinderella was notably absent from the group’s reunion tours and important media projects. This exclusion culminated in 2019, when she was unceremoniously fired from the group right before the New Kids on the Block’s Mixtape Tour, despite having been publicly announced as part of the lineup. The betrayal was personal and financial, with Spinderella expressing deep hurt after learning she would no longer be part of the group’s performances.

The Lawsuit: Unpaid Royalties and Contract Violations

In the aftermath of her termination, Spinderella took legal action, filing a lawsuit against Salt and Pepper, as well as their management and record label. The suit accused them of unpaid royalties, contract breaches, fraud, and intentional misrepresentation. According to Spinderella, she had been cut out of financial deals and significant business ventures, despite her vital contribution to the group’s success. The suit also revealed that Salt and Pepper had promised Spinderella a one-third share of profits for a television show and compilation album, but those promises were never honored.

The failed business venture also played a significant role in the tension. Spinderella was promised $125,000 for her involvement in a compilation album, but she claims that she never received the payment. Similarly, when Salt and Pepper signed onto the VH1 show The Salt-N-Pepa Show, Spinderella was invited to appear only sporadically and as a guest rather than a central figure, and her compensation was minimal. This growing frustration eventually led to Spinderella’s decision to take legal action.

The Biopic Exclusion: A Final Straw

One of the most emotionally taxing moments for Spinderella came when Salt and Pepper released their biopic without including her in the narrative. While the biopic chronicled their rise to fame, Spinderella was completely excluded from the development and production process, despite her critical role in the group’s legacy. In a series of tweets and statements, Spinderella expressed how deeply she felt hurt by the omission, stating that the biopic failed to recognize her vital role in the group’s success.

Her comments highlighted the lack of recognition she received, even though her image was used throughout the biopic without her consent. “I do not support this film because it failed to include me in its story, even though I played a significant part in shaping Salt-N-Pepa’s legacy,” she said. “It’s unacceptable for a woman to be silenced by another woman, especially when she has contributed so much to the success of the group.”

The Personal Toll: The Emotional Fallout

In addition to the professional setbacks, Spinderella’s story highlights the emotional toll of the betrayal. Despite the glamour of fame, the back-and-forth between business deals, personal disagreements, and exclusion took a deep emotional toll on her. The disconnect with Salt and Pepper seemed to go beyond just the music and finances—it was a personal issue that caused resentment and left Spinderella feeling unappreciated.

Her story speaks to a larger issue in the entertainment industry, where women of color are often undervalued or overlooked, despite their contributions to the success of projects. Spinderella’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and ensuring fair recognition for all contributors has been evident throughout her career, and this latest chapter in her journey underscores the disempowerment she felt within the group.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Spinderella

Despite the challenges she’s faced with Salt-N-Pepa, Spinderella has found strength and resilience through her solo career and the support of her fans. She has continued to empower women, advocating for respect and recognition for everyone who contributes to the music industry, and is now working on her memoir, set to be released soon. This book will be an honest reflection of her journey, from her rise with Salt-N-Pepa to the personal battles she faced behind the scenes.

While it’s unclear whether Spinderella and Salt-N-Pepa will ever reconcile, the story of her exclusion has sparked a larger conversation about the treatment of women in the music industry, the need for respect, and how powerful women should uplift rather than tear down their peers. For now, Spinderella continues to forge her own path, with her fans cheering her on as she moves forward from the shadows of the group and into a future that is all her own.