Dawn Robinson of En Vogue Addresses “Car Life” Decision
Dawn Robinson, a member of the seven-time Grammy-nominated R&B group En Vogue, addresses her decision to reside in her vehicle for the past three years.
“Let me be clear: I am not experiencing homelessness,” Robinson stated in a communication released to People magazine. “My choice to embrace ‘car life’ is a temporary phase in my personal journey of healing and self-discovery.”
The 58-year-old vocalist and founding En Vogue member emphasized her enjoyment of this “car life” experience. She also cautioned against donating to unofficial fundraising efforts initiated on platforms like Cash App and GoFundMe.
Embracing Freedom and Self-Discovery
“I embraced a risk and wholeheartedly entered this lifestyle,” Robinson elaborated. “It has been an incredible journey, filled with excitement, joy, and occasional anxieties. Failure is not a consideration for me. While vulnerability is challenging, it is through this process that I am evolving. This experience is about embracing autonomy, trusting the journey, and discovering resilience in unforeseen circumstances.”
Robinson initially revealed her living situation on March 11, surprising fans of the “Free Your Mind” singer.
Transition to “Car Life”
This unconventional journey began in 2020 after Robinson departed her parents’ Las Vegas residence. She cited escalating tensions with her mother as a reason for the move.
Robinson then relocated to Los Angeles, based on assurances from a co-manager who reportedly offered accommodation at his apartment. However, upon arrival, the co-manager lacked space and instead arranged a hotel room.
“An overnight stay unexpectedly extended into an eight-month period,” Robinson recounted, expressing her frustration with the prolonged hotel arrangement.
Robinson stated the hotel expenses amounted to thousands of dollars monthly, which her co-manager covered.
Robinson further explained that the co-manager allegedly insisted on approving any potential apartment but consistently missed scheduled property viewings.
“I reasoned that I would be the one residing there,” Robinson stated, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of an apartment compared to the hotel.
“At times, it seems individuals aim to confine you in vulnerable, dependent situations,” Robinson reflected. “That was not my intention, so I chose to exit that situation.”
Discovering “Van Life” Community
Robinson’s housing search then evolved toward finding a mobile dwelling, leading her to discover a vibrant “van life” community.
The artist emphasized that this lifestyle choice was deliberate and discouraged fans from feeling pity.
“Had someone told me during my En Vogue days that I’d be living in my car, I would have been incredulous,” Robinson admitted. “‘No, I will always have an apartment. Living in a car is not feasible for me.'”
Unexpected Life Turns
However, she acknowledged the reality of “car life” differs from her initial expectations.
“Life sometimes presents unforeseen circumstances,” Robinson reflected in her statement. “These situations often hold lessons or opportunities for growth that we might avoid confronting within our comfort zones – so the universe intervenes. This transformative period demands self-trust, as the alternative is succumbing to fear and stagnation.”
Support from Former Spouse
Upon learning of her living situation, Robinson’s former husband, Andre “Dre” Allen, reportedly offered her a full-time sales position within Hilton Brands, according to a TMZ Hip Hop interview.
Allen, a former member of the 90s Pop and R&B group IV Xample, transitioned out of the music industry to pursue a full-time career in hospitality.
Robinson initially departed En Vogue in 1997 amid reported contract disputes, later rejoining the group from 2008 to 2011.