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Artist News
GRL member’s death confirmed as suicide
By Chris Cooke | Published on Monday 8 September 2014
Simone Battle, a former ‘X-Factor’ contender in the US and one fifth of rising pop group GRL, died by suicide last week it has been confirmed. The tragedy came ahead of the group’s debut single ‘Ugly Heart’ charting in the UK, the Pussycat Dolls spin-off having previously appeared on Pitbull’s track ‘Wild Wild Love’ back in February.
Battle’s suicide was confirmed by the LA County Coroner over the weekend, after news of her death was announced on Friday by the various record labels working with the group, including Sony’s RCA. Their statement read: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the loss of Simone Battle of GRL. Simone was an exceptional young talent and human being, and we are all devastated to learn of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this time”.
Meanwhile the rest of the group said in a statement: “Words cannot express the depth of our loss, Simone’s incredible talent was only surpassed by the size of her heart”. They added that GRL will “carry her memory with us in everything we do”.
‘X-Factor’ chief Simon Cowell also paid tribute via Twitter, saying: “I am so sad to hear about the news Simone Battle has passed away. She was such a fun nice person. It’s such a loss. Rest in peace Simone”.
