It's a documentary series unlike anything else on television. It's the story of what turned out to be one of the music industry's biggest cons. A Ponzi scheme called the Backstreet Boys, NSync and LFO, among a host of other sensational pop acts of the 'gos. The show is called Dirty Pop, and its on Netflix.
The docuseries tells the story of serial New York-born-and-bred conman Lou Pearlman who achieved fame, or notoriety, by creating and managing some of the most successful boy bands of the 'gos. And believe it or not, Britney Spears was also a Pearlman spawn during her early days as a member of the all-girl ensemble called Innosense.
Dirty Pop narrates the shocking story of how Pearlman created, then commoditised music beyond everyone's wildest imaginations. It was almost as if he turned the young, wannabe stars members of the Backstreet Boys, NSync, LFO and countless less successful outfits into a form of musical servitude. He had investors pour money into these conceptual ensembles and paid the talent next to nothing.
In-between, he robbed Peter to pay Paul, and built a house of cards comprising music, restaurants and other entertainment outlets. But it all came crashing down, as Ponzi schemes inevitably do.
This story is from the August 16, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 16, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
US blamed for expo row
Analysts warn exclusion could have dire consequences for SA down the line.
4900 visas for critical skills jobs
South Africa has a list of almost 150 jobs considered by the department of employment and labour (DEL) to be in short supply.
Nsfas to decentralise
Department welcomes move, plans to set up regional, satellite offices.
Lawsuits cost health billions
Investigations stop R3 billion in fraudulent claims, parliament hears.
City face Inter reunion
Manchester City are braced for their Champions League reunion with Inter Milan at the start of an expanded tournament that will be \"so tough\" for the 2023 winners.
League Cup no inconvenience
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insisted he still believed English football's League Cup remained a \"significant\" competition.
State of rates in Africa
Africa’s largest economies to make changes for first time in years.
RAF not about to 'implode'
»» Improvements not sustainable without legislative changes, says Letsoalo.
Can Superbalist grow?
Shein overtakes the SA retailer, while Bash is different kind of threat.
Crochet gets sex appeal
100% cotton yarn garments do not loose shape ina cold wash.