Toxic Culture of USC Song Girls Revealed in Investigation
Nearly a dozen women opened up on their experiences as a USC Song Girl, the school’s dance squad, and say they were badgered about their weight and eating habits, had to wear a full face of make-up at all times and were shamed for their sex lives.
The 10 women spoke up in a recent Los Angeles Times investigation into the culture of the USC Song Girls. Contracts, text messages and emails were provided to support the womens’ claims.
The Song Girls have been a prominent part of USC since 1967 when the student body voted overwhelmingly to allow women to join the spirit squad, which had been all male. Besides dancing at Trojans football games, they represent the school at fundraisers and other events worldwide.
Who are the Song Girls? A primer on the iconic USC dance squad
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Who are the Song Girls? A primer on the iconic USC dance squad
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Content Warning: This article contains references to body shaming, eating disorders and depression.
Former Song Girls coach Lori Nelson fostered an inappropriate and harmful environment for nearly a decade, according to a Los Angeles Times subscriber-exclusive feature published Wednesday. The report includes accounts from 10 former Song Girls who described a toxic culture, often unchecked by USC, within the University’s famed dance team.
The Song Girls were first assembled in 1967 and have since become an icon almost inseparable from USC’s image. They not only appear at USC sporting events such as football and basketball games but also fundraisers, donor dinners, alumni gatherings and private engagements around the world.
Ten former members of USC Song Girls dance team tell of toxic environment
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