Ronnie DeVoe Breaks Silence on New Edition’s Drama: Secrets, Scandals, and Rivalries Exposed

At 57, Ronnie DeVoe is opening up about New Edition’s turbulent journey and the shocking secrets behind the iconic R&B group’s rise to fame and internal struggles. Known for their chart-topping hits and sold-out concerts, New Edition was the soundtrack to an entire generation. However, behind the glitz and glamour was a web of conflicts, betrayals, and personal battles that almost tore the group apart. DeVoe reveals the challenges and pain that shaped the group’s legacy, including the drama that led to its breakups and the truth about their notorious feuds.

The Tension Behind the Scenes: A History of Fights and Betrayals

New Edition’s story has always been one of both triumph and turmoil. While they earned massive success with hits like Candy Girl and Cool It Now, the group was plagued by internal conflicts that often spilled over into their professional lives. DeVoe, who has remained a quiet figure in the public eye, reflects on the chaos that often followed them. “There were gunshots, fights on stage, and endless drama,” he admits. The violence escalated to a point where concerts were canceled, and the group’s relationships became increasingly strained.

One of the most shocking incidents occurred during their reunion tours, where DeVoe witnessed heated fights between members, including a physical altercation between Bobby Brown and Ronnie himself. According to DeVoe, the group was plagued by drug use, excessive partying, and personal disputes that often disrupted their performances. The tension reached a breaking point during the 1996 reunion tour when a gunshot went off backstage, leading to panic and chaos among the crew.

Bobby Brown’s Wild Ride: From Superstar to Struggles

Bobby Brown, who had once been the group’s shining star, became a major source of tension. DeVoe and the others grew frustrated with Bobby’s erratic behavior, especially as he began to miss important shows and engage in reckless behavior. His addiction issues became well-known, and DeVoe recalls how it impacted their performances. “You could see it on his face,” DeVoe says. “We hoped Bobby would pull himself together, but he was struggling.” Despite this, Bobby’s charm and influence remained a key part of New Edition’s success.

When the group decided to reunite for their Home Again album in 1996, Bobby returned to the fold, but his personal issues continued to cause friction. “Bobby wasn’t in a good place at that time,” DeVoe confesses. “It was like we were on tour with a different person.” The culmination of Bobby’s struggles led to fights on stage and backstage, and eventually, Bobby left the tour early. DeVoe and the others had to finish the tour without him, which made the already difficult situation even harder.

The Struggles of the Group: Addiction, Money, and the Pressure of Fame

As New Edition reached new heights of fame, their personal struggles became more apparent. Ricky Bell’s battle with addiction, which was kept largely hidden from the public for years, came to light in a 2017 documentary. DeVoe reflects on how Ricky’s struggle with drugs impacted the group. “Ricky went through a tough time,” he admits. “It wasn’t easy to see him go through that, but we supported him.”

Money problems also played a major role in the group’s downfall. After their early success, DeVoe says the group felt betrayed when they discovered how little money they were actually making from their albums and tours. “We thought we were making a lot of money,” he recalls. “But when we went to collect our earnings, we found out we were getting nothing.” This led to a feeling of being cheated by the system, and the tension only worsened as the group struggled to maintain control over their careers.

The Legacy of New Edition: A Bond That Couldn’t Be Broken

Despite the betrayals and struggles, DeVoe remains proud of New Edition’s legacy. “We’re a family, no matter what,” he says, reflecting on the bond that has kept the group together through the years. While they’ve had their share of personal feuds and setbacks, DeVoe credits the group’s success to their shared history and love of music. “The fans still love us because we gave them something real,” he says. “Our music connected with people, and that’s something no one can take away from us.”

Even though the group has faced so much adversity, DeVoe believes that New Edition’s impact on music and culture remains undeniable. “We showed people what it meant to be a group,” he says. “Even when things got tough, we stuck together.” Today, DeVoe continues to work with the group, but he acknowledges that the road hasn’t always been easy.

The Cost of Fame: Personal Struggles and the Toll of Success

Looking back, DeVoe reflects on the price of fame and the personal struggles that have come with it. “We all dealt with things that the public didn’t see,” he says. “But we kept pushing forward. It wasn’t just about the music, it was about surviving and sticking together.” The toll of fame, combined with the pressures of addiction, money, and personal issues, created a difficult journey for DeVoe and his bandmates.

Despite everything they’ve been through, DeVoe feels that the group has ultimately come out stronger. “We’ve learned from our mistakes,” he says. “And now, we’re just focused on enjoying the music and the love we get from the fans.”

As New Edition continues to make music and tour, DeVoe’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with fame and the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. Through all the struggles, the group’s music remains timeless, and their legacy as one of the most influential R&B groups of all time is secure.