https://www.facebook.com/JordanPruitt/posts/10156736552834156?__tn__=K-R.
In a Facebook post entitled “Secrets Make You Sick,” Jordan Pruitt revealed an experience she went through at just 15 years old involving an older man in her career manipulating and sexually abusing her. Pruitt grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and was the daughter of a worship minister of a “little white chapel in an overgrown field where [she] got her start”.
At just 14 years old, Pruitt was approached by Hollywood Records after they heard her self-written song, “Outside Looking In” in 2006. This one song then led to her touring with the Jonas Brothers, The Cheetah Girls, Demi Lovato and the cast of High School Musical.
On her 15th birthday, Pruitt was shooting the music video for “Outside Looking In” in the same high school that “Grease” was filmed in. According to Pruitt, “this person was running around the set like he owned the place and acting as if he was directing the whole video himself. I remember him having full control over what I was wearing and even what makeup they put on me. This was where I first felt as if he was ‘grooming’ me.” Flash forward to recording her first album, “No Ordinary Girl,” Pruitt felt even more under control of this man.
After her record label gave her the ultimatum that if she didn’t lose enough weight, she wouldn’t be able to film any more music videos, this man got her a personal trainer. “One day after I had lost over 20 POUNDS (did I weigh nothing?!?!) He told me that my “ass” looked nice. At first, I just said thank you. Then after thinking about it, It made me feel VERY uncomfortable. I was just 15 years old and never really heard anyone use those choice of words in that context before. This was the first of many times that led up to some of the worst days of my life…”
This wasn’t it for Pruitt. As the living nightmare continued, she came to the realization that the situation was inappropriate. “This person was helping make ALL of my dreams come true, and thought I was so talented at every single thing I did. I didn’t think anything was wrong until I felt this pit in my stomach. I KNEW something was wrong.”
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At one point, Pruitt was confronted by a friend after suspecting something was off. After relaying her frustration and confusion, her friend contacted her parents, which then led to police involvement. Not only did the abuser hurt her mentally, but also physically. I wasn’t even eating and could barely get out of bed. I remember very vividly staying in my room for two weeks straight and contemplating suicide every single day.”
Although this experience was filled with trauma and anxiety for Pruitt, she is stronger than ever today. Not only has she continued music, she has also moved to Nashville, found a lovely husband, and has kept her faith in God.
Pruitt even encouraged her fans to get back up when you may feel like you’re sinking.. “I want everyone to know that through ANY horrible experience YOU are not over, and YOUR LIFE is not over. Even though I still deal with PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic attacks (sometimes daily), my LIFE is not his anymore. He can no longer take my everyday happiness away. At this moment in time, I couldn’t be happier that I am able to share this with you.”
You can read Jordan’s full story in her Facebook post here.
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