# At 57, Ronnie DeVoe Finally Confirms New Edition Rumors

At 57, Ronnie DeVoe of New Edition has confirmed long-standing rumors about the iconic R&B group, shedding light on decades of scandals and internal conflicts. Known for hits like “Candy Girl” and “Cool It Now,” New Edition, formed in Boston in 1978 by Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, and Michael Bivins, later joined by Ralph Tresvant and DeVoe, skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s.

Often dubbed the new Jackson 5, their success masked deep-seated issues that frequently disrupted their unity, leading to canceled tours and public drama.

DeVoe recently spoke out about the group’s early struggles with exploitation in the music industry. Despite sold-out concerts and millions of record sales, the members saw little financial reward.

After their first major tour with Grandmaster Flash, each member received a mere $187, a stark contrast to their expectations. DeVoe highlighted how the court system failed to protect their earnings, revealing that promised trust fund money never materialized, leaving them feeling cheated and used.

Internal conflicts also plagued the group, most notably with Bobby Brown. Unhappy with New Edition’s wholesome image, Brown sought a more mature, edgy persona, leading to disruptive behavior like missing shows and clashing with bandmates. In 1985, his frustration culminated in throwing a microphone at Michael Bivins during a performance.

Voted out in 1986, Brown’s departure marked a turning point, though he later returned for reunions, including the 2014 and 2022 tours, despite ongoing personal struggles.

The 1996 “Home Again” reunion tour, featuring all six members including Johnny Gill, who joined post-Brown, promised a triumphant return but descended into chaos.

DeVoe recounted a violent altercation during a show when he attempted to pull Brown off stage for overstaying his performance slot. The ensuing fight escalated with security involvement and gunshots, though no one was injured.

Johnny Gill recalled fleeing at the mere mention of a gun, emphasizing the danger posed by entourages and unfamiliar faces on tour buses, which fueled further drama. Michael Bivins and Brown eventually left the tour, leaving just four members to finish.

Personal struggles compounded the group’s challenges. Ricky Bell’s battle with addiction, revealed in the 2017 BET documentary “The New Edition Story,” shocked fans, detailing his spiral into cocaine and OxyContin abuse, costing him his home.

DeVoe himself faced criticism for forming RBRM with Brown and Bell, excluding Tresvant and Gill, which fans saw as divisive. His appearance on a “Real Housewives of Atlanta” spin-off with wife Shamari also drew accusations of clout-chasing.

New Edition’s journey, as DeVoe confirms, was marred by financial betrayal, personal demons, and violent clashes. Behind the smooth harmonies lay a saga of pain and broken trust, painting a complex picture of a group that shaped R&B while battling relentless turmoil.