Spinderella On Disrespect By Salt-N-Pepa & Being Kicked Out The Group and A Stain On Their Legacy On Hollywood Unlocked with Jason Lee [UNCENSORED]
Host Jason Lee works his magic once again this week on the latest episode of Hollywood Unlocked with Jason Lee [UNCENSORED], with another exclusive tell-all interview, this time with his long-time friend and former Salt-N-Pepa member Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roper.
In the only interview she’s given on being mostly excluded from the group’s recent biopic on the Lifetime channel by the two other members, Cheryl James (Salt) and Sandra Denton (Pepa), Lee guides Roper through her feelings on the controversial snub, as well as her record-breaking history as one third of the record-breaking and Grammy-winning group that became known as “The First Ladies of Rap and Hip Hop” and one of the best-selling rap acts of all time, male or female, selling over 15 million records, worldwide.
“I will not support something that does not support me,” asserts Roper. “I was a part of building the (Salt-n-Pepa) brand and I have every right not to support (the movie) because of the fact that it did not support me… We discussed a movie of our lives back in the 90s. We’ve always had dreams for everything… But it seemed like whenever those dreams would come true, I would be left out of it… But I helped to build it!”
Roper recounts in detail the history of tension within the group and how feeling mistreated, undervalued, and abused as “just a DJ,” affected her confidence and self-esteem. She also discloses to Lee the reasons behind her January 2019 firing via email, the subsequent lawsuit she launched against them for trademark infringement, fraud, and breach of contract and how the confidential settlement they eventually reached killed the 30-year friendship.
Though feeling “broken and disappointed” by the situation, Roper says she has moved on with life happily and will “shed some light on Spinderella” in alternate ways. She reveals to Lee she is working on an autobiography tentatively titled Queen on Deck.
“I feel like I have to tell this story. I feel like writing a book will explain who I am,” said Roper. “I know my intentions were correct and I know I have love for the legacy and I still do. I’m sorry this is happening, but I did ask for this to be handled and not only did they disregard it, but they insulted me and tried to eradicate me from history. That was certainly irresponsible on their behalf… When you try to hide things, it comes to light.”
An omnipresent figure in entertainment circles, Lee assures Roper the other two girls will watch the interview, prompting her to send them a public message that she would never go back — but wants to have a mediated conversation to smooth things out, move forward peacefully and respectfully and continue building their legacy together.
“As a fan, I can tell you that Spinderella was an integral part of the group’s success,” said Jason Lee. “I’m grateful to my friend for choosing to share her truth with our audience. She shows amazing grace dealing with this unfair treatment and I hope the legendary Salt-n-Pepa can someday settle their differences and go back to making their magic that so many fans will always love.”
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