The heavy metal band Dogma, who dress as nuns on stage, have imploded with accusations of “manipulation” and “mistreatment”.
Last month, three of the band’s ex-members – singer Grace Jane Pasturini (AKA Lilith), guitarist Amber Maldonado (Lamia) and guitarist Patri Grief (Rusalka) – issued a joint statement in which they accused the band’s management and leadership of mistreating them and the band’s fans.
They said: “We were part of Dogma. We love this project, but what’s being sold today is not Dogma. During the tours, we saw unilateral decisions, broken promises, manipulation, mistreatment, and lies to the fans.”
They added that “the person who now controls the project” is a “threat” to the future of the band. Explaining that the individual in question was not a musician, they added: “He turned the band into a brand, and people into disposable pieces. He betrayed the artists, his partners, and the fans.”
They then implored fans of the band to make their voices heard. “Don’t support a lie,” they said. “The social networks using the name Official Dogma no longer represent the real band or what we stand for.”
“Demand transparency. Ask for refunds if you weren’t given what you were promised. Don’t let anyone manipulate you. Also, no more masks. Masks were meant to protect identity, not to replace people. The only one who needs to take off the mask is him. The power to change this story starts with your support. We will keep going. The music, the creativity, and the truth are on our side. We put our souls into this project, and that’s why you were able to connect with us. No manager should be allowed to strip that away.
In response, Dogma said: “We are aware of recent online statements by some former, non-original members of Dogma. While we respect everyone who has contributed to our journey, we want to be clear that Dogma has always been and will continue to be much bigger than any one individual.”
“Dogma was founded on creativity, collaboration, and evolution. Like any artistic project, change is part of our growth. Every member, past and present, has left a mark that helped shape who we are today, but Dogma’s vision and music continue to move forward through the dedication of the current team and the support of our fans. We are grateful for the time, energy, and moments that each member has shared with Dogma. Every contribution, big or small, became part of this journey and will always be appreciated and valued.”
“We remain fully committed to the values that define Dogma: authenticity, freedom of expression, and connection through art. Our focus is and always will be on the music, the message, and the community that has made this project what it is. Thank you to everyone who continues to believe in Dogma and what we stand for, cause Dogma was never about who we are, it’s about what YOU choose to become…”
Since that initial exchange, musician Kim Jennett claimed in another post that she was nearly hired as the new Dogma singer in 2024 but turned it down after being offered an “insulting” contract.
“I want to share my side of the story,” she said. “Because I know the women involved legally may be unable to share certain aspects of their story, and I have proof of that. I’m speaking out in solidarity with them. As women in music, we’ve got to have each other’s backs and call this kind of thing out so it stops happening again.
“What makes me sick about all of this is the anonymity. The women are masked, silenced, and controlled by contracts that stop them from speaking out. with legal threats hanging over them if they do and I have the proof of all this.”
“The contract I was sent was one of the most insulting things I’ve seen in my 15-year career. My lawyer said it was essentially “slave labour” and told me not to go anywhere near it. I completely understand that not everyone has access to legal advice, and I don’t blame the women who signed. They were sold a dream. manipulated with false promises and hope, into signing something that ultimately exploited them.
“People might not realise it’s not just about the awful pay, $100 a show (frankly a joke) while the managers pocket the profits from merchandise, ticket sales, and meet and greets. It’s about control. legally bound to hide behind characters and keep mouths shut. Replaceable and exploited, all disguised behind a mask of “feminism.”
On Wednesday (November 12), Maldonado issued another statement, making further allegations against the band’s management.
“Management kept instigating fights about my work schedule,” she said. “I was asked how I was compensating his company for the lost money from missing a meet and greet. I do those for free. How am I being compensated for the paid work I’m missing to play shows? On my days off from tour, I had to go out for interviews. I normally love interviews, but not when management writes pages of AI word salad I’m supposed to follow. I was never compensated for these.”
Former Dogma guitarist Alice Chiara (Lamia III) has also addressed her own departure from the band. “After my shows in Europe, I had no choice but to step out of Dogma about a month and a half ago,” she explained.
“During my last experience with Dogma’s management, I faced several issues, but my social networks are not the place for details. What I want to express, though, is that the main reason behind my departure from Dogma was the U.S. tour, which I was supposed to play without being granted a work visa to perform there.”
“I was contacted just one month before leaving for almost two months of touring across the USA, Australia, and Asia. Later, I found out through social media that the upcoming April tour had been publicly announced without being shared with me beforehand, and that it would last an entire month. When I said I shouldn’t have to find out that kind of information from social media, I was told, “there is still time.”
NME have contacted Dogma about the further allegations against them and their management. They are due to play an Australian tour later this month, before heading around the UK and Europe in the spring.