The Black Eyed Peas have revealed the real reason why Fergie left the band in 2017.
Fans were shocked when the singer parted ways with the group after nearly 15 years with little explanation, but now the truth has come out. Fergie's former bandmates explained in an interview with Billboard that the vocalist wanted to focus on being a mother to her son Axl, 6, who she shares with now ex-husband Josh Duhamel.
"That's a hard job, and that’s what she really wants to do and we’re here for her, and she knows how to contact us for a retreat or a breakaway," Will.i.am told the outlet. "It’s really the way Fergie designed it, so we’re respecting her design. We love Fergie, and we don’t want anything but awesomeness for her."
"Fergie is our sister. So even with these small connections, she’s always going to be our sister. But unfortunately our schedule is displaced by [her] wanting to be a great mom, and she wants to focus on that. And like Will said, we support her 100%," he said.
After Fergie's departure, The Black Eyed Peas introduced emerging singer J. Rey Soul to their lineup. She is not a full-time band member, but features on their new album, "Translation."
"I want to say how proud I am of J.Rey Soul as well, because I know people are probably wondering who this artist is," Taboo told Billboard. "I really want to give her ultimate praise and respect."
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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