G.R.L. officially disbands

Girl group G.r.l. has officially parted ways.

Over the weekend (ends30May15), members Paula Van Oppen, Natasha Slayton, Lauren Bennett and Emmalyn Estrada hinted at a possible break-up on social media, with Bennett writing on Twitter, "Thank u all for ridin with GRL thru the tough times... I know it's all a bit confusing but I love you all, and care (sic) never forget."

The split rumors swirled months after the fifth member of the group, Simone Battle, committed suicide at the age of 25.

On Tuesday (02Jun15), representatives for G.R.L. confirmed the split speculation with a statement which reads: "Nearly 9 months following the tragic death of band member Simone Battle, girl group G.R.L. announces today that they are disbanding. We wish them continued success in each of their next creative endeavors."

Originally conceived as a new version of the Pussycat Dolls by choreographer Robin Antin, the quintet was formed in 2013 and managed by Britney Spears' longtime manager, Larry Rudolph.

They scored a hit song as a featured artist on Pitbull's Wild Wild Love last year (14), and later released a self-titled EP, but the group never produced a debut album.

In January (15), Bennett told Billboard that they were planning on carrying on without Battle, and hoping to keep her legacy alive with their music.

She said, "There was never a question that we weren't going to break up. We didn't know what was going to happen - we really didn't even think about it. We just got back together and just continued to do what we're doing today, to stay close, and that's just how it is. That's where we are now."