On December 24, 2007 a video from Raz B, former member of the boy band B2K, posted a video confession on video sharing site Youtube. In the video he confesses that his former manager , Chris Stokes, molested him and all the boys associated with TUG Entertainment. The allegations have rocked the online urban community and caused numerous statements to be issued from both sides of the fence.
It all started with the two Youtube videos posted on Christmas Eve. The videos show at least 8 different clips in which Ricky Romance and Raz B are talking to Chris Stokes and other members of the family about being molested at an early age. This set off a fire storm of accusations, finger pointing, and press statements from Chris Stokes and Omarion, another member of B2K and who is directly related to Omarion.
Omarion released this statement:
I want to be on the record as saying that Raz B. Thorton and Ricardo Thorton are lying regarding Chris Stokes. Chris is a father figure to myself, and many others in the industry. He’s guided us, helped raised us and is nothing more than an inspiration and someone I respect to and look up to. I have spent countless hours, days, weeks and months with the man since the age of 5 and have never once seen him behave inappropriately. He’s married to my aunt and I know this man very well. I stand behind him with no question whatsoever. I have grown up around Chris and this is crazy to me. These people have damaged me, and my reputation and I won’t stand silent and will do all within my means to speak the truth about this matter.
Chris Stokes Released this statement:
Allow me to further elaborate on certain comments I have seen reported: I understand from my attorneys that it’s against the law in California to record someone on the phone without letting them know they are being taped as was the case in this situation. These individuals released video with doctored audio – I did not say what they accuse me of saying in the context in which it was taken – all statements which were attributed to me were doctored. I vehemently deny these charges and intend on taking very aggressive action to defend my honor. It’s also quite ironic that these statements were made only 2 weeks after they were denied admittance by a venue for an event I hosted in Beverly Hills.
So seems liked the war was on from this point on. Then in a shocking turn of events a new video from Raz B shows up on the internet. It’s only 27 seconds long and is a full apology from the first 2 videos. However, he never looks into the camera during the apology and seems to be reading a statement. Insiders have stated for this report that Raz B was visited by the LA gang known as the Bloods and was forced into the apology. Meanwhile, his brother Ricky Romance decided to go on the radio and speaks to the blog Bossip.com and states that the video apology is a lie. He states that he will stand by his statements and will be going to the DA in order to have charges brought against Chris Stokes.
But during the blog interview with Bossip.com he get shaken by the questions and ends the interview.
Here is an excerpt of the Bossip.com Interview:
Bossip: And how long ago did he tell you?
Ricky: About three weeks ago. You know it was just something that I had to just step forward and handle. Like, that’s my little brother I didn’t protect him. I should have protected him. I know some crazy shit was going on over there, but I couldn’t figure the shit out, you know. And I should have protected my brother. You know. And I didn’t you, know what I mean.?
And he’s a man, You know he has a son. You know what I mean? And he wouldn’t want something like that to happen to his son. So I’m just being the big brother and I’m protecting him. First. You know?
Like I said his situation was a lot more graphical. My situation is more on the surface.
Bossip: Ok. Why haven’t you guys reported this to the authorities?
Well, as you know the apology video is out there. Everyone knows about that. Reason why we have the apology video is because you know. You know what? We gonna have to cut this interview.
So far that is where the case is. There have been no charges brought against Chris Stokes from the DA. And from what has been said in the videos Ricky Romance plans on going to the authorities once he gets the chance.
How will this all play out? Or is this an elaborate publicity stunt?
Reference:
- http:://www.Bossip.com
